Pirates Score Five In The First, Take Game One Over Nationals

By Zane Heiple

Photo Credit: AP

After Friday night’s game was postponed, the Pirates and Nationals kicked off a three-game series, after a one hour delay, on Saturday night.  Pittsburgh was looking to get back on track after a three game sweep at the hands of the Marlins.  Jeff Karstens started again in place of the injured Ross Ohlendorf, while the Nats countered with the ageless Livan Hernandez.

Check out the Fans From The Stands Pregame Show Right Here!

The Buccos equaled their entire offense output of the Marlins’ series in the first inning tonight.  Andrew McCutchen and Jose Tabata led off the game with singles.  This was followed up by an RBI single from Lyle Overbay and an RBI double from Garrett Jones.  Ryan Doumit, Pedro Alvarez, and Ronny Cedeno also brought runs around to give them a 5-0 lead heading into the second.

Washington cut into the lead on a Michael Morse single that scored Adam LaRoche.  Pittsburgh got that run back in the bottom part of the inning when Tabata hit a sacrifice fly, scoring McCutchen from third.

Karstens allowed one more run in the fourth, a solo homerun by Jayson Werth, and finish his day after the sixth inning.  In total, he gave up two runs on six hits, struck out three and walked one.  For a guy who fills many roles, Jeff pitched well tonight and did not waste the offensive output that the team provided him.

Overbay brought his second run home on the night in the sixth when he singled in McCutchen.

This was a great game for the Pirates overall.  A quality start from Karstens, followed up by flawless bullpen work by Chris Resop, Joe Beimel, and Evan Meek.  Plus they had some quality trips to the plate from the offense.  Ronny Cedeno went 2-4 with an RBI tonight.  He may have some pressure for playing time with the recent acquisition of Brandon Wood.

Unfortunately, Neil Walker and Pedro Alvarez had a tough time at the plate, going a combined 0-7.

Fans From The Stands would like to wish radio legend Porky Chedwick the best after he fell during the opening pitch ceremonies tonight.  Hopefully he was able to enjoy the Pirates’ victory.

Check out the Fans From The Stands Postgame Show Right Here!

Be sure to check out game two of this three-game series tomorrow afternoon when Kevin Correia takes to the bump for the Buccos.

Record Vs. Nationals: 1-0

Record Vs. N.L. East: 1-3

Record At Home: 2-5

Overall Record: 9-11

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!