Difo gives Roark early advantage (Nats win 3-2)

The Nationals tallied first against Pirates right-hander Jameson Taillon.

Matt Adams singled with one out in the second. He was washed away on a Michael A. Taylor fielder's choice to third base. But Taylor reached second because Adam Frazier's throw was wide of first base.

Wilmer Difo then delivered a clutch RBI single to center field to score Taylor.

In the third, Trea Turner doubled down the left field line. He slid into second ahead of the tag by Frazier.

Ryan Zimmerman grounded out to shortstop. Bryce Harper was intentionally walked. Howie Kendrick struck out. Matt Adams struck out looking.

Right-hander Tanner Roark allowed a leadoff single to begin the game to Frazier. Sean Rodriguez walked one out later. But Roark then retired two in a row.

Gregory Polanco singled in the third but was caught stealing during Rodriguez's at-bat on a nice throw from Matt Wieters to Kendrick.

After three innings, the Nats lead the Pirates 1-0.

Update: The Nats put together four straight singles in the fourth, including RBI singles for Roark and Turner. After four innings, the Nats lead the Pirates 3-0.

Update II: The Pirates enjoyed a big hit from their pitcher in the fifth. WIth two outs, Jordy Mercer singled. Taillon then drove a double off the wall in center field to score Mercer.

Mid-fifth, the Nats lead 3-1 over the Pirates.

Update III: Corey Dickerson slammed a 3-2 offering by Roark over the Nats bullen in right field to begin the seventh. The solo shot was his third homer and cut the Nats advantage to one run.

Taillon finished six innings, allowing three runs on seven hits with two walks, one intentional walk, and five strikeouts. He fired 101 pitches, 69 for strikes.

Roark lasted seven innings, allowing two runs on six hits with two walks and four strikeouts. He threw 105 pitches, 64 for strikes.

Mid-seventh, the Nats lead 3-2 over the Pirates.

Update IV: Ryan Madson pitched a scoreless eighth.

Brandon Kintzler pitched the ninth. Rodriguez led off and popped out to first base. Josh Bell grounded out to shortstop. Dickerson grounded out to Kintzler to end the game.

Kintzler earns his first save of the season.

Final score: the Nats 3, the Pirates 2. Nats have won two in a row.