PITTSBURGH — Jared Jones cruised through seven innings, striking out nine, as the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Washington Nationals 7-3 on Sunday for a split of the four-game series.
Jones (6-7) allowed two runs and four hits, all coming in the first two innings. The 23-year-old rookie right-hander retired 16 straight to end his outing, striking out five of the final six.
''Just saying ‘F it.' I gave up two runs in two innings. What's the worst that could happen?'' Jones said. ''I blacked out, to be honest, after the fourth (inning). So, can't tell you how I felt.''
CJ Abrams led off the game with a homer to right-center, his 19th, off a slider left over the heart of the plate.
''We've seen (Jones) give up runs and then walk a guy. He didn't,'' Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton said. ''He got himself out of jams, so it was very impressive. ... I think it's a big step for him, just continuing to mature."
The lead was erased when the Pirates scored four runs in the bottom half.
Joey Bart sent a liner to left off a cutter from Patrick Corbin (5-13), a two-run home run for his 13th of the season. Billy Cook, who was 2 for 4 in his major league debut after being selected from Triple-A Indianapolis, then dropped a two-run double just inside the left-field line.
''It meant everything,'' Cook said. ''This is what I've worked really hard for and dreamed about as a little kid, talked to my friends and family about. It still feels surreal to be here, but I'm glad it happened. We'll keep going. But you get one debut, that's what they all say. It was definitely one to remember.''
