Shutout by the Pirates

The Nats were blanked for the first time this season on Jackie Robinson Day across MLB.  Mark (From Pittsburgh) & Al discuss the 2-0 defeat, where the Pirates scored both of their runs in the bottom of the 1st.

(04:20) CJ Abrams reached base four times in a game with very few base runners. Abrams singled, walked, and was hit by a pitch on two separate occasions. Abrams' OPS so far is a staggering 1.175, which is the 2nd highest in the sport, only behind Yordan Alvarez.

(14:30) Irvin retired 13 of the final 16 batters he faced in the loss.  Irvin continues to get roughed up in the 1st inning and has allowed seven runs in that opening frame over the course of four starts.

(18:15) Brad Lord took over for Irvin and lasted for three innings on the mound.  Lord was the only reliever needed; giving the rest of the ‘pen the day off during this endless stretch of games.

(24:00) Keibert Ruiz is struggling at the plate and has done a poor job of challenging ABS calls.