Pirates suffer first loss of season after Keller’s shaky start

Mitch Keller Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (Alex Brandon/AP)

By Taylor Hall

WASHINGTON — This article originally appeared on pittsburghbaseballnow.com.

For the first time this season, the Pittsburgh Pirates suffered a loss, falling 5-3 to the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Wednesday night.

The Nationals (2-3) used a four-run second inning against Pirates’ starter Mitch Keller, who scuffled for the second time in as many starts. Keller (0-1) worked 5.1 innings and allowed five runs (four earned) on eight hits. The right-hander walked a pair and struck out five.

The Pirates (5-1) jumped out to a 2-0 lead on Michael A. Taylor’s single with two outs and the bases loaded in the second inning. Taylor’s two-run single gave the Pirates 23 two-out RBIs this season, the most in baseball.

Click here to read the full recap from Pittsburgh Baseball Now.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW