Pirates fall to Nationals in series opener; another rough start for Mitch Keller

Pirates Nationals Baseball Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller throws during the third inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell) (John McDonnell/AP Photo/John McDonnell)

By Griffin Floyd

This article originally appeared on PGHBaseballNOW.

The Pittsburgh Pirates dropped the first of their three-game road series with the Washington Nationals 9-5 on Friday after another shaky night from Mitch Keller, who allowed three home runs in the loss. The Pirates (44-45) didn’t get things going offensively until it was too late.

Scoring Plays

Bottom 1st, 1-0 WSH: The Nationals (46-43) drew first blood on a one-out home run from first baseman Luis García Jr.

Bottom 2nd, 2-0 WSH: Daylen Lile stung Mitch Keller (6-6) for another home run, this one to center field.

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