PITTSBURGH — Francisco Liriano allowed three hits over six-plus dominant innings and the Pittsburgh Pirates raced by the Washington Nationals, 7-3, on Thursday night.
Liriano (6-6) struck out 11 batters while walking three as the Pirates returned from a miserable post-all-star break road trip to drop the National League East-leading Nationals. Andrew McCutchen, Pedro Alvarez and Francisco Cervelli hit home runs for Pittsburgh, which ended a seven-game losing streak to Washington.
Starling Marte and Jung Ho Kang each had two hits for the Pirates, who acquired third baseman Aramis Ramirez from Milwaukee before the game to bolster an infield dealing with injuries to Josh Harrison and Jordy Mercer.
Doug Fister (3-6) labored through five innings, giving up four runs and nine hits to drop his third straight decision. Ian Desmond had two of Washington’s six hits, including a two-run home run in the ninth.
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