Pirates, Nationals Open Series at PNC Park

PITTSBURGH (Interstat) — The Pittsburgh Pirates, holding an early lead in the National League Central, will host the Washington Nationals to open a four-game series Monday at PNC Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. EDT under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature near 80 degrees.

The Pirates (9-6) enter after a tough 7-6 loss at the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, despite a two-homer, five-RBI performance from second baseman Brandon Lowe. Lowe, a key player to watch for Pittsburgh, is coming off that powerful showing and will look to build momentum against Washington pitching.

The Nationals (7-8) arrive having taken three of four in Milwaukee, including an 8-6 victory Sunday. Reliever Gus Varland, another player to watch, contributed a scoreless inning in that win. Varland has been a frequent option out of the bullpen, appearing in five games already this month.

Pittsburgh has won seven of its last ten games and has been strong at home, going 5-2 at PNC Park this season. Washington has struggled slightly on the road, posting a 4-5 record away from home.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Pirates are projected to win 7-3. Pittsburgh has been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -1.5. The over/under for total runs is set at 7.

Following this series, the Nationals will return home to face the San Francisco Giants beginning Friday. The Pirates will stay at home to host the Tampa Bay Rays over the weekend before embarking on a road trip to Texas and Milwaukee.