The Pittsburgh Pirates quickly recovered from their recent loss and low-scoring match by scoring four runs in the first inning, with Rowdy Tellez delivering a crucial two-run single. This propelled them to a 7-4 win over the Washington Nationals on Thursday.
Connor Joe added his first home run of the season, a powerful 400-foot shot in the fifth inning, while Michael A. Taylor had three hits against his former team. Tellez, Oneil Cruz, and Bryan Reynolds each contributed two hits, helping the Pirates build a commanding 7-1 lead that they maintained until the end.
Manager Derek Shelton praised the team’s collective effort, highlighting the contributions of multiple players. On his 33rd birthday, pitcher Martín Pérez threw 6 2/3 innings, allowing only two runs and six hits while striking out six batters.
The Pirates finished their season-opening road trip with an impressive 6-1 record, consistently scoring six or more runs in most games except for their 5-3 loss against the Nationals on Wednesday.
Despite a 70-minute rain delay before the game, the Pirates capitalized on Josiah Gray’s struggles, prompting the Nationals to replace him after 4 1/3 innings. Gray expressed disappointment with his performance and vowed to improve.
Although the Nationals attempted a comeback, the Pirates held on to their lead, with Aroldis Chapman and David Bednar securing the win with strong relief pitching.
CJ Abrams hit his second homer of the year for the Nationals, while Jesse Winker, Trey Lipscomb, and Luis García Jr. also contributed runs, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Pirates’ early lead.
