EditorsNote: deletes Archer's incorrect first-inning stat
Starling Marte hit a three-run homer in a four-run eighth inning Tuesday as the host Pittsburgh Pirates halted a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Washington Nationals.
Pittsburgh had scored just one run during its losing streak.
Washington starter Stephen Strasburg missed a chance at setting a career high with his 16th win of the season. He pitched seven scoreless innings, scattering four hits with six strikeouts and one walk.
Wander Suero (3-7) was charged with three of the eighth-inning runs.
Anthony Rendon was 3-for-3 with an RBI double for the Nationals.
It took five Pirates pitchers to cool Washington's offense. The Nationals, who had won two straight and seven of its previous eight, had hit 12 homers in their previous two games and scored 62 runs in their last five games.
Pittsburgh starter Chris Archer left at the start of the second inning because of right (throwing) shoulder discomfort. On his fifth warmup pitch for that inning, he threw over the head of catcher Jacob Stallings, then shook his head and, after consulting with medical staff, walked off the field.
Felipe Vazquez (3-1) got the final four outs for the win.
Archer gave way to Clay Holmes, who went 3 2/3 innings. Holmes hit the last batter he faced before getting pulled.
Michael Feliz came on and gave up Rendon's RBI double to drive in Adam Eaton for a 1-0 Washington lead, the run charged to Holmes, who allowed one hit, walked four and struck out three.
Pittsburgh loaded the bases with no outs in the eighth against Suero. Stallings singled and gave way to pinch-runner Steven Brault. Melky Cabrera walked. Adam Frazier reached on a bunt single.
Daniel Hudson relieved and gave up Bryan Reynolds' sacrifice fly for a 1-1 tie. Marte followed with a homer to center, his 22nd, for a 4-1 Pirates lead.
Marte ended the game in the ninth when he slammed into the wall in center field to catch a fly by Howie Kendrick for the final out.
--Field Level Media
