Gonzalez struggling with command early (Pirates win 11-8)

The Pirates got to Gio Gonzalez with a big first inning, scoring five runs on three hits. Gonzalez walked two batters and hit another with a pitch. Max Moroff's three-run double was the highlight.

The Nationals came back quickly in the bottom of the first. Trea Turner doubled and Bryce Harper walked. They pulled off another double steal, Turner to third and Harper to second. It is the second time the Nats have used that ploy. If manager Dusty Baker uses this strategy in the post season - keeping Harper in the No. 2 hole - the double steal could become a major weapon.

Anthony Rendon stepped up and crushed a 2-2 offering over the left-center field wall off of Pirates starter Steven Brault. The three-run shot was his 25th homer of the season.

Gonzalez walked the lead-off man in the second and then allowed an infield single to Sterling Marte. But then he rebounded with a fly out and a double play to get out of the inning. He also had a workmanlike third frame, allowing no runs.

Mid-third, the Pirates lead the Nats 5-3.

Update: Jayson Werth with an RBI double in the third. The double was the 300th of his career. Brault lasted two innings plus four batters, allowing four runs on six hits with four walks and four strikeouts. He fired 68 pitches, 36 for strikes.

After three innings, the Pirates lead the Nats 5-4.

Update II: David Freese with a run-scoring single in the fifth and the Pirates lead 6-4. Gonzalez went 4 1/3 innings, allowing six runs on seven hits with three walks and two strikeouts. He threw 93 pitches, 60 for strikes.

Update III: In the Pirates sixth, Jacob Stallings run-scoring double and a Marte fielder's choice RBI scored Stallings off of Tanner Roark.

Mid-sixth, the Pirates extend the lead to 8-4 over the Nats.

Update IV: Michael A. Taylor solo homer, his 19th of the season, to start the seventh for the Nats. Harper singled later in the frame. Adrián Sanchez's double to the wall displayed Harper's running. He went from first all the way home to score the run. It was a good sign to see him run so well.

After seven innings, the Pirates lead the Nats 8-6.

Update V: The Pirates scored three more runs in the eighth. Josh Bell and Jacob Stallings with RBI singles. The Pirates also scored a run on a bases loaded walk to Moroff by Oliver Pérez to score Bell.

Mid-eighth, the Bucs lead the Nats 11-6.

Update VI: In the ninth, Rafael Bautista scored on a three base error on a dropped ball by right fielder Jose Osuna off the bat of Wilmer Difo. Alejandro De Aza's RBI single scored Difo. But with two outs, Victor Robles struck out.

Final score: the Pirates 11, the Nats 8.

The time of game was 4:22. It was the longest nine-inning game in Nationals and Pirates history.

The Nats finished 97-65 and now get ready for the a visit from the Chicago Cubs on Friday to begin the National League post season.