Nats Journal

How the Nats did just enough when they needed it most to win series finale

From Nasim Nuñez's hustle play in the fifth to Orlando Ribalta's escape act in the 10th, the Nationals found a way to beat the Pirates

Mark Zuckerman's avatar
Mark Zuckerman
Apr 17, 2026
∙ Paid
Photo by Billy Sabatini / ALL-PRO REELS

PITTSBURGH – What was Blake Butera feeling at the end of a 3-hour, 30-minute marathon that saw his team blow a four-run lead in the fifth, then a one-run lead in the ninth before finally emerging victorious in the 10th?

“A lot of different emotions,” the Nationals manager said following this 8-7 win over the Pirates…

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