Jared Jones had a strong performance, striking out nine batters in seven innings, as the Pittsburgh Pirates won 7-3 against the Washington Nationals on Sunday, splitting the four-game series.
Jones (6-7) gave up two runs and four hits, all in the first two innings. The 23-year-old rookie right-hander then retired 16 batters in a row, striking out five of the last six he faced.
“I just decided to not worry about the runs I gave up early,” Jones said. “I can’t really remember much after the fourth inning. I just went with it.”
CJ Abrams hit a home run to right-center to start the game, his 19th of the season, off a slider that was right down the middle.
“Jones gave up some runs but didn’t let it affect him,” Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton said. “He managed to get out of tricky situations, which was very impressive. It’s a big step for him in his development.”
The Pirates responded with four runs in the bottom of the first inning.
Joey Bart hit a two-run homer to left off a cutter from Patrick Corbin (5-13), marking his 13th of the year. Billy Cook, who made his major league debut and went 2 for 4, hit a two-run double just inside the left-field line.
“It meant a lot,” Cook said. “This is what I’ve worked for and dreamed about since I was a kid. It feels surreal to be here, but I’m glad it happened. It’s a debut I’ll never forget.”
Corbin pitched six innings, giving up seven runs and 10 hits while striking out five.
Andrew McCutchen hit his 19th home run of the season to start the third inning, sending a ball 397 feet to left field. Jacob Young later cut into the Pirates’ lead with a two-out RBI single in the second inning.
