Nationals Sweep Pirates In Doubleheader

September 8, 2024 7:00 am

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Ildemaro Vargas hit a two-run double off Aroldis Chapman in Washington’s four-run ninth inning, and the Nationals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-6 for a doubleheader sweep. The Nationals won 5-3 in the first game. DJ Herz pitched five hitless innings and fellow rookie Dylan Crews homered. Washington put together a two-out rally against Chapman in the second game. James Wood singled in Drew Millas to get the Nationals within one. With runners on second and third, Vargas was sent up to hit for Luis García Jr. With the Nationals down to their last strike, Vargas hit a sinking liner into right field that bounced off the glove of a diving Connor Joe.