The Pirates fell behind early before catching up during contest interrupted some showers. Paul Maholm overall looked good.
The Nationals came out swinging against Maholm. Ian Desmond singled and Jayson Werth doubled with one out in the first. Adam LaRoche damaged his old team with a two run single.
The Pirates went up in the fourth inning, putting together a four run inning that was interrupted by a rain delay. Jose Tabata was on first base following a walk from John Lannan. With two outs, Neil Walker’s single was misplayed by Jayson Werth allowing Tabata to score and Walker to advance to third. After the delay, Steve Pearce walked and Brandon Wood, making his first start as a Pirate, laced a two run double. Chris Snyder singled him in to make it 4-2.
Washington collected just two hits over their final eight innings.
Maholm gave up those two runs in seven innings. He allowed four hits and two walks and struck out a seson high eight. Nats starter John Lannan lasted 5-2/3 and gave up four runs on five hits and two walks. He struck out three. Joel Hanrahan pitched a scoreless ninth for the save.
The Good
Nicely done by Maholm.
Winning when the hits are sparse.
Walker had two hits.
The Bad
Just six knocks total.
The Rest
Sean Burnett has not allowed a run to his former teammates in five career appearances.
This was the latest Maholm picked up his first win of the year since 2006.
