Keller, Pirates Outlast Gray, Nationals in 2-0 Pitchers’ Duel

PITTSBURGH — It was an old fashioned pitchers’ duel at PNC Park on Thursday afternoon, and Mitch Keller and the Pittsburgh Pirates came out on top against Josiah Gray and the Washington Nationals 2-0.

The Pirates’ victory gave them a series win over the Nationals three games to one.

Recap

Keller (12-8) masterfully navigated the Nationals’ lineup through his eight innings on the mound. The right-hander allowed only two hits and a walk while striking out seven batters.

It was the third time this season the Keller worked 8.0+ innings in a start this season for the Pirates. Because of his efforts, Keller’s season ERA fell to 4.04.

The Pirates (69-78) managed only three hits against Gray in the first six innings, but two of them left the yard. Jack Suwinski led off the bottom of the second with a home run to right field and Alfonso Rivas added a solo shot to center in the fifth.

Gray (7-12) was lifted after 6.1 innings pitched for the Nationals (65-82), having allowed the two runs on four hits. He didn’t walk a  batter and struck out 10, which set a season-high.

David Bednar worked a clean ninth inning for his 35th save of the season to close out the win.

Key Moment 

Suwinski’s solo shot in the first inning ensured Keller’s efforts would not be wasted and gave the Pirates all they needed for the win.

Star of the Game

Keller was simply masterful after a rough outing against the Atlanta Braves his last time out.

Stat to Know

Keller flirted with his second complete game shutout of the season. The last Pirates’ pitcher two have two complete game shutouts in the same year was Jeff Suppan in 2003.

Noteworthy

• Suwinski’s home run extended his hitting streak to seven games with his second-inning home run. He finished the game with a pair of hits.
• Ji Hwan Bae saw his eight-game hitting streak come to a close after finishing 0 for 4.
• The time of the game was 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Up Next

The Pirates’ homestand continues over the weekend with a three-game series against the New York Yankees on Friday night. Johan Oviedo (8-14, 4.34 ERA) will start for the Bucs. Former Pirate Gerrit Cole (13-4, 2.79 ERA) will get the ball for New York. First pitch: 6:35.