The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Washington Nationals 7-4 Thursday in a game delayed more than an hour by rain. The Bucs scored four runs to open the game and starting pitcher Martin Perez allowed just two earned runs while pitching into the seventh inning. David Bednar earned his first save of the season with a perfect ninth inning. The Bucs had 11 hits in the game, led by Michael A. Taylor with three. Connor Joe hit his first home run of the year.
The Pirates host the reigning American League East Division champion Baltimore Orioles this afternoon at PNC Park for their home opener. First pitch will be 4:12pm. Hear the game on WISR beginning at 3:40pm. Rookie Jared Jones will be the Pirates starting pitcher. Jones will be making just his second major league appearance.