The Pirates picked up a 5–1 win over the Nationals on Saturday, getting a decent outing from Bubba Chandler and some timely hits late in the game. Chandler looked more comfortable this time around, working through six innings and keeping things mostly quiet. He gave up a couple of hits and one run, struck out seven, and didn’t walk anybody. It wasn’t flashy, but it got the job done.
Washington got on the board first in the sixth after Dylan Crews singled and came around to score on a base hit from Robert Hassell III. Pittsburgh didn’t respond until the eighth, when things started to fall into place. A couple of walks and an infield single loaded the bases, and Andrew McCutchen came through with a two-run single. Nick Yorke added a grounder that slipped through the middle, bringing in two more. Jared Triolo tacked on a solo shot in the ninth.
The offense didn’t do much early, but they stayed patient and took advantage when the Nationals’ bullpen started to slip. McCutchen’s hit was the turning point, and the rest followed. Chandler kept the game close, and the bullpen held it down from there. Carmen Mlodzinski and Dennis Santana combined for three scoreless innings to wrap things up.
It wasn’t a dominant performance, but the Pirates played a clean game and got contributions from a few different spots. Chandler looked steadier than he did in his first start, and the lineup found a way to push across runs when it mattered.
Tomorrow’s game will feature Mike Burrows (2-4, 3.99 ERA) for Pittsburgh and Cade Cavalli (3-1, 4.67 ERA) for Washington. First pitch is set for 11:35 a.m. ET.