Pittsburgh Pirates Even 3 Game Series Against Nationals

The Pittsburgh Pirates evened their 3 game series against the Nationals with a victory on Wednesday night

The Pittsburgh Pirates are now 17-23 this season. This record is a result of the Pirates defeating the Washington Nationals by a score of 6-1 on Wednesday night. Their victory also evened their 3 game series at a game each.

Gerrit Cole was dominant for the Pirates on Wednesday night, the offense had a good night, and it led to a fun all-around night for the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was the type of night and type of game that the Pirates have not had enough of this season.

Wednesday night’s game started out as a pitcher’s duel between Gerrit Cole and Jacob Turner. However, the Pirate offense would eventually get to Turner and the Washington bullpen.

Wednesday’s game was scoreless until the bottom of the 6th inning. Leading off the inning John Jaso drew a walk, however, he would be erased when Andrew McCutchen hit into a fielder’s choice. David Freese was then hit by a pitch to set the table for Josh Bell.

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Josh Bell would hit a laser over the Clemente Wall in right field to give the Pirates a 3-0 lead. This home run gives Bell a team leading 8 home runs this season. It also gave Gerrit Cole a well-deserved lead.

Entering the top of the 7th inning, Cole had allowed just 1 hit. In the top of the 7th inning, he would allow a pair of hits and the only run he would surrender on Wednesday night.

In 7 innings of work, Gerrit Cole held the best offense in baseball to just 1 run on 3 hits, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. This lowered his ERA on the season to 2.84 and his FIP to 3.50.

This marked the 7th consecutive strong start for Gerrit Cole. In his last 7 starts Cole has allowed 10 earned runs on 31 hits, 4 home runs, 9 walks, and 48 strikeouts in 46 innings pitched. Quietly, Gerrit Cole has become one of the best starting pitchers in the National League once again.

The bottom of the 7th inning was when the Pirates would put the game on ice. Oliver Perez started the inning for the Nationals, and would allow a single to Adam Frazier and a walk to John Jaso, Jaso’s 3rd walk of the game, before being pulled.

Matt Albers entered the game and allowed a 2-run single to Andrew McCutchen to make it 5-1 Pirates. While on the bases, McCutchen would record his second stolen base of the game. This proved vital as it allowed him to move to third on a ground out by David Freese, and then score on a sacrifice fly by Francisco Cervelli to make it 6-1 Pittsburgh.

Danny Ortiz recorded his first career plate appearance in the bottom of the 7th inning. Ortiz was promoted to replace Gregory Polanco on the active roster on Wednesday, and he drew a walk in his first career plate appearance.

Felipe Rivero pitched the top of the 8th inning for the Pirates. This was the first time he faced his old team, and he mowed them down. Rivero continued his dominant season needing just 8 pitches to retire the Nationals in order.

Juan Nicasio was called upon to pitch the 9th inning for the Pirates. Nicasio would walk Jayson Werth to start the inning, but he retired the next 3 Washington hitters to lock down the 6-1 Pirate victory.

Next: Why Throwing More Strikes Has Been Bad For Glasnow

The rubber match of this 3 game series is scheduled for 12:35 tomorrow afternoon. Tyler Glasnow is scheduled to start for the Pirates, while the Nats plan to go with Tanner Roark. Hopefully, the Pirates can pick up a series victory over the National League’s top team.

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