WASHINGTON (Interstat) — The Pittsburgh Pirates scored five runs in the eighth inning to break open a close game and beat the Washington Nationals 11-5 on Sunday afternoon at Nationals Park.

Pittsburgh took a 3-0 lead in the second inning on a two-run single by Tyler Callihan and an RBI single by Jake Mangum. Washington answered with two runs in the third on Luis Garcia Jr.’s two-run homer, then cut the deficit to 3-4 on runs in the fourth and fifth innings.

The Pirates erupted for five runs in the eighth, highlighted by Brandon Lowe’s three-run homer, his 21st of the season. Konnor Griffin added a two-run single earlier in the frame. Pittsburgh tacked on two more in the ninth on Henry Davis’ single.

Gregory Soto (5-2) earned the win with two innings of relief, allowing one run. Brad Lord (5-2) took the loss.

Griffin went 2-for-4 with two RBIs for Pittsburgh. Dylan Crews homered for Washington. The Pirates outhit the Nationals 13-10. Attendance was 19,587. Time of game was 3:28.

Both teams are 46-45.