The Washington Nationals looked like they were going to get swept in a doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but that was before their eighth-inning rally. The Nationals worked the count and manufactured two runs to sneak ahead for a 4-3 win in the night game of the doubleheader.
The Nationals tied the game when Brian Bixler stole third base, then advanced to score because the Pirates' throw went astray. Two batters later, Ivan Rodriguez, pinch-hitting after starting the first game, ripped a single to score Rick Ankiel and give the Nationals the lead. Drew Storen then came on and pitched a perfect ninth inning to pick up his 20th save of the season.
The Nationals are now 42-42 on the year and have taken two of three from the Pirates in the series. The two teams will play again on Sunday.
For more on the game and the doubleheader, visit Federal Baseball.