Gray throws six sturdy innings, Nationals beat Pirates

Josiah Gray pitched six sturdy innings, Joey Meneses had 4 hits and the Washington Nationals lastly cooled off the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-2 in a sport delayed almost 2 1/2 hours by rain Sunday.

Jeimer Candelario and Victor Robles every had an early two-run double for Washington, which had misplaced three straight. Luis García delivered a two-run single within the second, and each Nationals starter obtained not less than one hit.

Bryan Reynolds and Tucupita Marcano every had two hits and an RBI for the stunning Pirates, who had received 4 straight and 11 of 12. Pittsburgh completed April with a 21-8 document.

Gray (2-4) allowed one run on three hits and three walks whereas hanging out six. He retired 10 of the final 11 batters he confronted. Over his final 5 begins, the right-hander is 2-2 with a 1.57 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 28 2/3 innings.

Andrés Machado labored two scoreless innings for Washington, and Kyle Finnegan allowed a run within the ninth.

Pirates starter Johan Oviedo (2-2) gave up seven runs and 9 hits in 2 1/3 innings.

The first pitch was pushed again 2 hours, 26 minutes. But after being swept in a doubleheader Saturday, together with a 16-1 loss within the nightcap, the Nationals struck rapidly.

Candelario’s two-run double gave Washington the lead within the first. García’s two-run single highlighted a three-run second, and Robles made it 7-1 together with his two-run double within the third.

ROSTER MOVES

Pirates: C Tyler Heineman, designated for project Wednesday, was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for INF Vinny Capra. The 26-year-old Capra was assigned to Triple-A Indianapolis. … INF Drew Maggi was despatched again to Double-A Altoona.

Nationals: The workforce chosen Machado’s contract from Triple-A Rochester, and LHP Anthony Banda was designated for project. Banda had a 6.43 ERA in 10 video games with Washington. Machado had a 2.92 ERA and two saves in 10 outings with Rochester.

UP NEXT

Pirates: RHP Roansy Contreras (3-1, 3.58 ERA) begins when Pittsburgh begins a three-game sequence at Tampa Bay on Tuesday. He has allowed three runs in 18 2/3 innings over his final three begins.