Pirates split in Washington

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

Ivan Rodriguez drove in the go-ahead run as a pinch-hitter in the eighth, and the Washington Nationals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3 Saturday night to earn a doubleheader split.

Rodriguez’s single to right scored Rick Ankiel to cap a two-run rally. Pinch-runner Brian Bixler had tied the game on a double steal, taking third and then coming home when catcher Eric Fryer’s throw went into left field for an error.

In the first game, Garrett Jones and Andrew McCutchen hit back-to-back homers in the eighth inning, and James McDonald had a strong outing in the Pirates’ 5-3 victory. That win put Pittsburgh two games over .500 for the eighth time this season, but they are now 0-8 trying to get to three above the break-even mark.

The doubleheader was Pittsburgh’s first in Washington since they split with the National League Senators at Boundary Field on May 19, 1899. McCutchen hit for a “doubleheader cycle” — home run and double in Game 1; triple, double and single in Game 2.

Until the late comeback in Game 2, the theme of the day for the frustrated home fans was the Washington’s ongoing offensive woes. Slumping high-priced outfielder Jayson Werth batted fifth for the first time this season in the second game, but it didn’t help. He went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts, was booed multiple times and doffed his helmet toward the fans after flying out in the eighth. The player with the seven-year, $126 million contract is hitting .165 since June 1.

Ryan Mattheus (1-0) pitched the eighth inning to get the win in Game 2, and Drew Storen handled the ninth for his 20th save.

Tony Watson (0-1) took the loss in the nightcap for the Pirates.

Pittsburgh’s Brad Lincoln, recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to pitch the second game, allowed two runs over six innings in his season debut.

The opener was tied at 2 when Jones and McCutchen took Sean Burnett (3-5) deep in the eighth. Jones entered the game hitting .129 against lefties, with no homers and two RBIs.