It was a day of firsts for Pirates starter Chase De Jong in today’s game against the Nationals at Nationals Park.
One was a good first—he got his first major league hit in the third inning against the Nats’ Paolo Espino. It was a double, even. Good job, dude. (fist bump)
The other wasn’t as good—he was handed his first loss as a Buc.
Fueled by homers by Yan Gomes and Josh Bell, the Nationals took the game and the series, 3-1. The Pirates’ loss streak now stands at ten, the longest since 2011.
Derek Shelton’s decision to pull De Jong after four innings was met with some confusion by Pirates fans.