Pirates Snap Seven-Game Losing Streak with 5-1 Win Over Nationals

The Pittsburgh Pirates snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 5-1 victory over the Washington Nationals, powered by a strong performance from rookie right-hander Bubba Chandler and a key four-run eighth inning. Chandler took a perfect game into the sixth inning, allowing just one run on two hits with seven strikeouts and no walks over six innings, bouncing back from a difficult first start. Andrew McCutchen and Nick Yorke each had two-run singles in the eighth that turned the game around, while Jared Triolo added a solo home run in the ninth. The Nationals scored first but were held scoreless after the sixth inning, with their rookie left-hander Andrew Alvarez pitching six strong scoreless innings. The Pirates have shown steady improvement in their pitching, with their team ERA dropping for the fourth consecutive season. Sunday’s matchup will feature Pirates right-hander Mike Burrows against Nationals right-hander Cade Cavalli as the Pirates look to build on their recent momentum.