The Pittsburgh Pirates snapped their seven-game losing streak with a gutsy 4-1 comeback win over the Washington Nationals on Saturday. Rookie pitcher Bubba Chandler, cool as ever, flirted with perfection through five innings and gave the Pirates a real shot.
Andrew McCutchen lit the spark in the eighth inning. His timely hit set the tone for a win the home crowd at PNC Park desperately needed.
Rookie Bubba Chandler Shines Under Pressure
In just his second big-league start, Bubba Chandler looked way more seasoned than his 21 years. He retired the first 15 batters he faced, carrying a perfect game into the sixth inning.
Chandler’s fastball had some serious life, and he didn’t seem rattled by the team’s recent rough patch. His command stayed sharp all afternoon.
Flawless Start Before the Breakthrough Hit
Washington’s Dylan Crews finally broke up Chandler’s bid with a single in the sixth. Crews later scored on Robert Hassell III’s RBI hit, putting the Nationals up 1-0.
Chandler wrapped up six innings, giving up just two hits and one earned run. He struck out seven and didn’t walk anyone—pretty wild for a rookie, honestly.
Offense Erupts Late to Seal the Win
Pittsburgh’s bats stayed quiet for most of the day. Then, in the bottom of the eighth, everything changed.
The Nationals tried to hold onto their slim lead, but the Pirates suddenly found patience and hustle when it mattered.
McCutchen Delivers the Turning Point
The Pirates loaded the bases with two walks and an infield single. Andrew McCutchen stepped up and roped a single to right-center, driving in two runs and flipping the lead.
That felt like classic McCutchen—a clutch swing and a big moment. Fans definitely remembered why he’s the face of the franchise.
Oneil Cruz then worked a walk to fill the bases again. Nick Yorke hit a grounder that bounced off Nationals second baseman Luis GarcÃa Jr., and two more runs came home. Suddenly, the Pirates led 4-1. It all happened so fast.
Insurance Run and Lockdown Relief
In the ninth, Jared Triolo added some insurance with a solo homer. That shot gave Pittsburgh extra breathing room.
The Nationals couldn’t threaten after that. The Pirates had all the momentum.
Carmen Mlodzinski Earns the Win
Reliever Carmen Mlodzinski came in and tossed two scoreless innings, picking up the win. Washington’s Cole Henry took the loss after getting stuck in that tough eighth inning.
Key Takeaways From the Game
- Chandler’s Composure: Carrying a perfect game deep into the sixth in just his second start was a sign of tremendous promise.
- McCutchen’s Clutch Factor: The veteran’s two-run single shifted the momentum entirely.
- Team Patience at the Plate: Two walks in the eighth set up the comeback.
- Timely Relief Work: Mlodzinski kept hitters in check, holding the lead steady.
- Defensive Luck and Hustle: Nick Yorke’s grounder took a fortunate bounce for extra runs.
Next Up in the Series
The weekend set rolls on Sunday. Mike Burrows will start for Pittsburgh, facing Cade Cavalli of the Nationals.
The Pirates want to ride Saturday’s momentum into the series finale. Washington hopes to regroup and pull even.
Here is the source article for this story: Bubba Chandler tosses 5 perfect innings, as Pirates rally for win against Nationals
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