Irvin Loses in Pittsburgh

The Nats squandered an early lead and lost 9-4 in Pittsburgh on Thursday night and now are season worst 16 games below .500. Mark (From PNC Park) & Al examine Jake Irvin's disappointing outing that saw him allow six runs in only five innings of work. This is the second straight start that Irvin was done in by the big inning (vs. the Cubs over the weekend) and continues his recent downward trend on the mound. This leads to a discussion on who might get the nod to start on Opening Day.

(15:30) The bullpen also didn't pitch well and the low point came in the bottom of the 6th. The Pirates scored three runs in the frame and they came via a passed ball and multiple walks with the bases loaded.

(21:00) Nasim Nunez got the start at SS instead of CJ Abrams. Nunez had two hits from the 9th spot in the lineup and the hosts wonder if he is an example of some of the "Rule 5" deficiencies. Nunez has very few plate appearances this season, but is impressively 10 for his last 19.

(32:10) Andres Chaparro quickly put Washington up 3-0 with a 3-run HR on Thursday. Chaparro has shown flashes of power at the plate since joining the organization at the Trade Deadline.

(34:20) Juan Yepez had a pair of hits his OPS is .796 since getting called up two months ago.