Nationals rally in ninth to defeat Pirates 8-6 in doubleheader
- The Nationals rallied from a 6-4 deficit in the ninth inning, scoring four runs to win the game.
- Ildemaro Vargas hit a two-run double off Aroldis Chapman, who recorded his fifth blown save of the season.
- This victory marked the Nationals' sixth win in their last eight games, showcasing their resilience.
On Saturday night in Pittsburgh, the Washington Nationals staged a dramatic comeback in the ninth inning to secure an 8-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, completing a doubleheader sweep. Trailing 6-4, Ildemaro Vargas delivered a crucial two-run double off Aroldis Chapman, who struggled, marking his fifth blown save of the season. Vargas's hit came with two runners in scoring position and was pivotal in turning the game around for the Nationals. The Nationals' offensive surge in the ninth included contributions from Keibert Ruiz, who also doubled, allowing Vargas to score. This victory marked the Nationals' sixth win in their last eight games, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Rookie Andres Chaparro had a standout performance with three hits and three RBIs, including his fourth home run. On the pitching side, Robert Garcia earned the win after getting two outs, while Kyle Finnegan secured his second save of the day, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Nationals' bullpen. The game also highlighted the struggles of Pirates' starter Mitch Keller, who pitched well but could not hold the lead in the final inning. The Nationals' manager, Dave Martinez, expressed confidence in his team's ability to rally, emphasizing the importance of executing plays in critical moments. The win not only boosts the Nationals' morale but also reflects their growing momentum as they continue to compete in the season.