Soto, Harper go deep, but Rodriguez allows 6 runs

Rodriguez strikes out Freese PITTSBURGH -- After their starting pitching carried them for much of the first two months of the season, the Nationals' rotation has been one of the team's biggest hindrances during the past month. A combination of injuries and ineffectiveness has exposed some weaknesses in what was once an unquestioned strength.

If the Nats are going to climb back into the playoff hunt in the National League East, they are going to need more consistent outings than what they received from Jefry Rodriguez in Monday's 6-3 loss to the Pirates. Although he settled into the game to last five innings, Rodriguez gave up six runs in the first two frames to put the Nationals at a deficit…