The Washington Nationals fell to the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-1 on Saturday night at Nationals Park, marking the second loss in the three-game series. The game unfolded under notably hot conditions, and the Nationals’ attempt to use an opener strategy did not yield its usual positive result.

Carson Palmquist started the game for Washington in front of designated starter Zack Littell but struggled in his outing. Palmquist allowed four runs in a little over an inning, including a sequence that saw the Pirates capitalize on aggressive base running and defensive miscues. The scoring began with a leadoff single by Konnor Griffin, who eventually scored on a double steal that included a throwing error by the Nationals’ catcher. This early advantage gave Pittsburgh a 1-0 lead before the Nationals quickly responded.

James Wood provided a brief spark for Washington with a towering solo home run in the bottom of the first inning, tying the score at 1-1. Wood’s 428-foot blast was notable enough to earn him a commemorative red seat in the upper deck, a tradition recognizing significant home runs at Nationals Park.

However, the Nationals’ offense stalled after Wood’s homer. Palmquist’s struggles continued in the second inning, as he loaded the bases before being pulled from the game. Zack Littell entered to stop the bleeding and surrendered several runs on hits and a hit-by-pitch, contributing to the Pirates’ lead expanding to 5-1. Despite this rough start, Littell settled in and did not allow any further runs over the next five innings.

Washington’s offense was unable to break through against Pirates starter Braxton Ashcraft, who pitched effectively over 5⅓ innings, allowing just one run and striking out seven. Nationals manager Blake Butera praised Ashcraft’s command and ability to attack the strike zone.

In the later stages of the game, the Nationals had opportunities against Pittsburgh’s bullpen but could not capitalize. A key moment came in the seventh inning with runners on first and third and two outs, when Butera made a strategic decision to pinch-hit right-hander Andrés Chaparro for left-handed batter Luis García Jr. against lefty reliever Mason Montgomery. Despite García’s better batting average against left-handed pitchers, Montgomery’s strong splits against left-handed hitters influenced the choice. Chaparro struck out, leaving the runners stranded.

The Pirates added two more runs in the eighth inning off Nationals reliever Riley Cornelio. Washington was unable to reach base in the ninth, sealing their defeat.

Looking ahead, Cade Cavalli will start for the Nationals on Sunday, replacing Miles Mikolas. Both pitchers were handed suspensions following a benches-clearing incident during a previous game in Boston but remain eligible to pitch while their appeals are pending. The Nationals adjusted their rotation to ensure Cavalli’s availability before the All-Star break.