Washington Nationals vs Pittsburgh Pirates Game Thread

The Washington Nationals (7-10) take on the Pittsburgh Pirates (6-12) for game three of a four-game series.

Becoming desperate for a win, Washington shut out Pittsburgh on Tuesday, 3-0, in a game where Washington dominated on the mound. Jake Irvin went deep into the game, going seven innings, giving up three hits.

James Wood led the way with a solo home run, and Nasim Nunez provided two RBIs to win for Washington.

As we head to game three of this four-game series, Washington is missing All-Star shortstop C.J. Abrams, who earlier this week was put on the 10-day IL. After a scary hit-by-pitch to the face, Washington infielder Paul DeJong is waiting to get results regarding his injury.

Pittsburgh has gotten off to a rough start and has been riddled with injuries to key position players. Infielder Nick Gonzalez, infielder Spencer Horowitz, and catcher Endy Rodriguez are some key players currently on the injured list.

With two games remaining in this series, let’s take a look at today’s lineups:

WASHINGTON: Alex Call is leading off today while James Wood slides down to the two-hole. Hot bat Nasim Nunez will be slotted as the starting shortstop for another game, potentially a short-term option, as DeJong was placed on the 10-day IL.

Mitchell Parker has gotten off to a spectacular start, posting a 1.96 ERA through the first few weeks of the season. Another great start, and he could become a long-term rotational piece for Washington.

PITTSBURGH: Ke’Bryan Hayes leads off this struggling Pittsburgh Pirates lineup. O’Neil Cruz, who has struggled to start the season, has been moved to the cleanup spot in the lineup. Endy Rodriguez has been placed on the 10-day IL, which gives former No. 1 overall pick Henry Davis the chance to earn the everyday starting catcher role throughout the rest of the season.

Bailey Falter has struggled on the mound this season, posting a 7.20 ERA to this point. Pittsburgh is desperate for good pitching outside of Skenes, and Falter has a chance to bounce back against an injury-riddled Washington lineup.

Almost three weeks into the season, Washington has struggled to stay in the win column consistently; however, with a series win over Pittsburgh, Washington could be a great spot. The rest of this series could be the series where Washington’s lineup and rotation put on a show.