Pittsburgh Pirates

Journeyman Espino pitches Nationals to sweep of Pirates

By Associated Press

Chase De Jong Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Chase De Jong (37) delivers a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Wednesday, June 16, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

By Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Paolo Espino got his first major league win at age 34, Josh Bell hit a two-run homer and the Washington Nationals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-1 for a three-game sweep.

Espino allowed three hits in five scoreless innings. He struck out two, walked none and threw 39 of his 53 pitches for strikes, a 74% strike rate.

Washington has won four straight, matching its longest winning streak of the season. The Pirates extended their skid to 10 games.

Espino made his fifth career big league start in the rotation spot of Max Scherzer, who’s on the 10-day injured list.

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