The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Washington Nationals 8-4 Monday evening and have improved their record to 5-0, their best start to a season since 1983.
The Bucs had 15 hits in the game with Michael A. Taylor leading the way with three hits. Five other players had two hits. Marco Gonzales made his first start for the Pirates and allowed one run on four hits over five innings. Aroldis Chapman earned his first save as a Pirate.
The two teams have an off-day today and will resume their three-game series Wednesday afternoon. The Pirates home opener is Friday