Maholm Pitches Well, Wood Delivers Huge Hit As Pirates Beat Nationals

By Zane Heiple

Photo Credit: AP

The Pirates and Nationals finished off a three-game series tonight after Friday night’s game was postponed due to rain.  The two teams split the first two games of the series and were looking to get solid starting pitching performances in order to win the series.  Pittsburgh gave the starting nod to Paul Maholm, while Washington countered with John Lannan.

The Nats struck right out of the gate with two runs in the first inning.  Former Bucco Adam LaRoche brought two runs home on a line drive single to centerfield.  Maholm shut down Washington after the first inning.  He finished the game after seven innings of work, allowing two runs on four hits, while striking out eight and walking two.  Tonight’s victory was Paul’s first of the season.

Pittsburgh’s bats awoke in a fourth inning that was interrupted by a 21-minute rain delay.  Neil Walker hit a single to right field, and a throwing error by Jason Werth allowed Jose Tabata to score from second base and Walker to move to third.  After a Steve Pearce walk, newly acquired infielder Brandon Wood doubled to right field, scoring both Walker and Pearce.  Chris Snyder stepped to the plate and continued swinging a hot bat, singling home the Pirates’ fourth run of the inning.

Four runs would be enough tonight as Evan Meek pitched a flawless eighth, followed up by Joel Hanrahan picking up his sixth save of the year in a Pirates’ 4-2 win.

It was great to see the Pirates kick off this six-game home stand by taking out of three from the Nationals.  They will have a difficult task up n ext as the defending World Series Champions San Francisco Giants come to town for a three-game set.  If Pittsburgh plays to the potential that they have shown during the early parts of this season, they will give the Giants a competitive series.  However, if the Buccos come out with sloppy fielding, poor pitching, and silenced bats, it could be a cake-walk for the champs.

Record Vs. Nationals: 2-1

Record Vs. N.L. East: 2-4

Record At Home: 3-6

Overall Record: 10-12

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!