Pirates 4, Nationals 2

Paul Maholm pitched seven strong innings for his first career victory against the Nationals as the host Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Washington Nationals 4-2 on Monday.

Maholm (1-3) allowed two runs in the first, but settled in and allowed only four hits and two walks. He struck out eight and retired the last 13 batters he faced. He was 0-4 against the Nationals in seven previous starts.

Joel Hanrahan pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his sixth save. He struck out pinch-hitter Rick Ankiel with runners on the corners to end the game.

The Pirates scored four runs in the fourth. After Neil Walker singled in the first run, Brandon Wood, who was acquired on waivers over the weekend, hit a two-run double and scored on a single by Chris Snyder.

All the runs came against Washington starter John Lannan (2-2), who gave up five hits and two walks in 5 2/3 innings.
Final1st2nd3rd4th5th6th7th8th9thRHE
Washington NationalsNationals200000000252
Pittsburgh PiratesPirates000400000460
WP:Paul Maholm (PIT)
LP:John Lannan (WAS)
Season Series
PittsburghStatsWashington
4-4Vs4-4
.285Batting Average.238
4.4Runs / Game3.1
2Home Runs8
4Errors12