Pittsburgh– Andrew McCutchen and Josh Harrison came up with clutch plate appearances and key defensive plays allowing the Pirates to defeat the Nationals 3-1 on Thursday night.
The performances of the two outfielders helped solidify a much-needed quality start by Edinson Volquez, who went six innings allowing a run on three hits.
The only blemish on Volquez’s record came in the fourth inning when Ian Desmond led off the inning with a home run to right-center tying the game at one. He also received some defensive help during his final inning of the night when Harrison robbed Wilson Ramos of extra bases with a diving catch for the first out of the inning. Edinson then struck out the next two batters to end the inning.
“That was unbelievable,” said Volquez. “I think [Harrison] saved maybe one more run with that play and that’s the best play I’ve ever seen while pitching.”
The tie would be short-lived as the tandem of Harrison and McCutchen went to work. Harrison led off the inning with a walk and advanced to second on a heads-up play when Neil Walker flew out to deep centerfield. McCutchen followed with a RBI single to give the Pirates the lead back. Harrison later added the final run on an RBI single with two out in the eighth.
“[Harrison’s] done some things on the offensive side of the ball that he’s needed to do for him to be the best player he can be,” said manager Clint Hurdle. “He’s a very valuable guy to have on your club.”
Mark Melancon came in for his eighth save, but not before some drama. After getting the first two outs on a force out and strikeout, He walked Denard Span to put the tying run on. Anthony Rendon followed with a liner to centerfield where McCutchen made a lunging, sliding catch to end the game. Had the ball gotten past McCutchen, Rendon would of had an easy trip around the bases to give the Nationals the lead.
“I just read it, trusted my instincts,” said McCutchen. “[Rendon] was kinda out in front of it and I just took the risk of trying to make that catch and if it bounced, I was going to try to keep it in front of me as best as I could with the tying run on base.”
Final Score: Pirates 3, Nationals 1
Starters Lines
Volquez (W, 2-4): 6 IN, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K’s, 1 HR. 98 Pitches (64 Strikes).
Treinen (L, 0-2): 5 2/3 IN, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 4 K’s, 1 HBP. 102 Pitches (63 Strikes).
These two will be back at it tomorrow evening in the second game of the four-game set.
Tomorrow’s Starters
(RHP) Charlie Morton (PIT): 0-6, 3.45 ERA
(RHP) Jordan Zimmerman (WAS): 3-1, 3.70 ERA
First pitch is set for 7:05.
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(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
