The Nationals will look to guarantee at least a split in this four game series on Wednesday evening, as Jake Irvin will take the mound in the third matchup. As the right-hander looks to find consistency, the Washington offense and bullpen will look to build on their respective momentum from last night.

The Washington Nationals jumped on Pittsburgh early and held on late, securing a 5–4 rebound win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Washington posted three runs in the first inning behind a string of singles, then got a big night from CJ Abrams, who went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, and two RBI to pace the offense. The Nationals added on in the middle innings, building a 5–1 lead that proved just enough as the lineup consistently put pressure on Pittsburgh’s pitching staff.

On the mound, Washington bent but didn’t break. After carrying a multi-run lead into the middle innings, the Nationals allowed the Pirates to chip away and bring the winning run onto the base paths in the ninth, but the bullpen held firm to close it out. Pittsburgh finished with four runs on eight hits, threatening in the later frames, but couldn’t find the final breakthrough as Washington secured the one-run win and evened the series.

On Deck…

Foster Griffin will pitch the series finale for Washington on Thursday afternoon, as that 12:35 P.M. matchup will send the team back to D.C. for their weekend set with San Francisco.

In the hole…

Zack Littell is lined up to start for Washington on Friday evening, as the righty will look to build momentum against the Giants following his solid outing in Milwaukee.