The Pittsburgh Pirates erased a four‑run hole and surged to an 11‑5 victory over the Washington Nationals on Sunday, powered by a tiebreaking two‑run single from Konnor Griffin in the eighth inning.
Griffin, who signed a nine‑year, $140 million deal in April, also made his presence felt defensively, logging a series of slick fielding plays that helped keep the Nationals at bay.
Brandon Lowe added a three‑run homer later in the frame, extending the lead, while Bryan Reynolds contributed a solo homer earlier in the game.
A Late‑Inning Turnaround
The Pirates’ offense exploded after a gritty defensive stretch that included a diving stop by Griffin in the third and a backhanded grab in the fourth.
Griffin’s bases‑loaded hit put Pittsburgh up 6‑4, and Lowe followed with a drive to right for his 21st homer of the season.
Crews answered with a solo homer in the bottom of the eighth, but the Pirates sealed the game with a two‑run single from Henry Davis in the top of the ninth.
Key Performers and What’s Next
Gregory Soto earned the win in relief, while starter Bubba Chandler gave up four runs over four‑plus innings. Luis García Jr. and Dylan Crews homered for Washington, but the Pirates’ rally was sparked by Griffin’s clutch hitting.
Looking ahead, Pittsburgh will send prospect Paul Skenes to the mound Tuesday night at home against the Atlanta Braves, while Washington prepares to host the Houston Astros on Monday.