Pirates vs. Nationals Takeaways: Bullpen Wastes Extra Innings Comeback Attempt

Pittsburgh's bullpen struggles late as Washington rallies for 8-7 win in extras

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:11pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting the chaotic action of a baseball game, with players and field elements fractured into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette.The Pirates' comeback attempt was ultimately undone by their struggling bullpen in the extra-innings loss to the Nationals.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Pirates battled back from multiple deficits but ultimately fell 8-7 to the Washington Nationals in extra innings. Starter Braxton Ashcraft had a strong outing, but the Pirates' bullpen couldn't hold leads late. Marcell Ozuna provided a key three-run homer, but the Pirates' comeback effort was wasted as the Nationals rallied in extras.

Why it matters

The loss is a tough one for the Pirates, who had a chance to take the series at home against the Nationals. The bullpen's inability to protect leads has been an issue for Pittsburgh early in the season, and this defeat highlights the need for more consistency from the relief corps if the team wants to remain in contention in the NL Central.

The details

The Pirates fell behind 4-0 early, but battled back to tie the game at 4-4 on Marcell Ozuna's three-run homer in the 5th. They took a 6-5 lead in the 6th, but the Nationals rallied to go up 7-6 in the 7th. Pittsburgh forced extras with a 9th inning run, but the bullpen couldn't hold on as Washington scored the go-ahead run in the 10th.

  • The Pirates overcame deficits of 4-0, 5-4 and 7-6 during the game.
  • Ozuna hit his first home run of the season, a three-run shot, in the bottom of the 5th inning to tie the game at 4-4.
  • The Pirates took a 6-5 lead in the bottom of the 6th inning.
  • The Nationals regained the lead at 7-6 in the top of the 7th inning.
  • The Pirates forced extra innings by tying the game at 7-7 in the bottom of the 9th.

The players

Braxton Ashcraft

The Pirates' starting pitcher, who threw 5.2 innings and allowed 4 runs (2 earned) with 7 strikeouts.

Marcell Ozuna

The Pirates' designated hitter, who hit a crucial three-run home run in the 5th inning to tie the game.

Yohan Ramírez

The Pirates' relief pitcher, who gave up the go-ahead runs in the 7th inning to make it 7-6 Nationals.

Justin Lawrence

The Pirates' relief pitcher, who got out of a bases-loaded jam in the 7th to keep the deficit at just one run.

Dennis Santana

The Pirates' relief pitcher, who gave up the eventual game-winning run in the 10th inning.

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What they’re saying

“We had a great chance to take this series at home, but the bullpen just couldn't hold it together late. We've got to find a way to close these games out.”

— Derek Shelton, Pirates Manager

What’s next

The Pirates will look to bounce back in their next series against the Cincinnati Reds, with the first game scheduled for Tuesday, April 21st.

The takeaway

This loss is a tough one for the Pirates, who had fought back from multiple deficits only to see their bullpen falter in the end. The inability to protect leads has been an ongoing issue for Pittsburgh, and they'll need to shore up their relief corps if they want to remain in contention in the NL Central race.