Pirates grab early 2-0 lead in second (Nats lose 4-3)

So much for the notion that facing a pitcher who hadn't won in 14 starts would somehow be the cure for the Nationals' offensive woes.

Charlie Morton, who came into the game 0-7 in his last 14 starts, has a 2-0 lead after two innings.

The Pirates got to Nats righty Jordan Zimmermann in the second, when Ike Davis singled and Russell Martin doubled to put runners on second and third with none out. Pedro Alvarez struck out and Starling Marte grounded out to score a run before Zimmermann plated another with a wild pitch.

Update: The even innings have not been kind to Zimmermann tonight. In the fourth, Davis hit a leadoff single and Alvarez followed with a one-out homer to center, his ninth of the season, to extend Pittsburgh's lead to 4-0. Zimmermann later loaded the bases, but escaped further damage.

Update II: Well, the Nats won't be shut out tonight. They loaded the bases with none out in the sixth and Greg Dobbs lofted a sac fly to left to make it 4-1. Morton was removed with two down and runners on first and second, and is line for his first win unless the Nats rally. Jared Burton got Nate McLouth on a grounder to first to end the inning.

Update III: Zimmermann is done after six innings, as Tyler Moore is in to pinch-hit in the seventh. Zimmermann allowed four runs on seven hits, walked two and fanned four. He threw 104 pitches, 69 for strikes.

Update IV: Pinch-hitter Scott Hairston hit a bases-loaded sac fly to center in the eighth, cutting the deficit to 4-2. A passed ball charged to Martin got another run home with two down, pulling the Nats within a run. Pinch-hitter Espinosa was hit by a pitch, but Denard Span grounded out to end the threat.

Update V: It's a 4-3 final, but the Nats made it interesting in the ninth. Anthony Rendon drew a leadoff walk off Jason Grilli, and with two outs, Desmond drove right fielder Josh Harrison to the wall to make a game-ending leaping catch.