Pittsburgh Pirates series takeaways vs. Washington Nationals

Jul 26, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) hits an RBI single against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Game Four: Gerrit Cole (13-4, 2.31 ERA) vs. Joe Ross (2-2, 2.70 ERA)

Result: Pirates win 3-1

Winning Pitcher: Gerrit Cole (14-4, 2.24 ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Joe Ross (2-3, 3.03 ERA)

Save: Mark Melancon (32, 1.37 ERA)

• What went right:
  • Gerrit Cole did what aces do, as he pretty much shut down the Nationals line-up for most of the game, going 7.2 innings, allowing one run on seven hits and striking out eight.
  • Gregory Polanco had a good game at the plate and in the field. To end the top of the first inning, he threw out Bryce Harper trying to stretch a single into a double. He also went 1-4 with an RBI and a run scored.
  • Neil Walker added a clutch insurance run, going 1-3 with a home run, an RBI, and a run scored.
  • Sean Rodriguez made a tremendous defensive play at first, robbing Bryce Harper of a hit and ending the top of the eighth inning.
  • What went wrong:
    • Michael Taylor just continued to be an annoying thorn in the side of the Pirates, making a fantastic play, robbing Polanco of extra bases, and hitting a solo home run in the third inning. He went 1-4 on the day.
    • Danny Espinosa had a multi-hit game, going 2-4 on the day.
    • Starling Marte was caught stealing in the bottom of the first inning.
    • Outside of the third and fourth inning, the Pirates’ offense was kept in check by Joe Ross. He went six innings, allowing three runs on five hits and struck out seven.

    Next: Final Thoughts