Konnor Griffin's diving catches, 2-run single lead Pirates to series win over Nationals

Colin Beazley, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Jul 5, 2026

Published in Baseball

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WASHINGTON — Konnor Griffin has accomplished plenty in his brief major league career. Sunday may have been his most eventful game yet.

In the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 11-5 win on Sunday afternoon against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, Griffin went 2 for 4 with the tiebreaking two-run single, a walk, and two sensational diving catches. He also stole his 20th base, becoming the fastest Pirate to reach that mark in just 59 career games.

Griffin’s single to right off right-hander Brad Lord broke a 4-4 tie in the eighth inning. Brandon Lowe immediately followed with a three-run home run, giving the Pirates firm control of the game.

Henry Davis added a two-run single off former Pirate Justin Lawrence in the ninth. Endy Rodriguez left the game after a single in the eighth.

The Pirates took a 4-0 lead early against Nationals starter Cade Cavalli. Cavalli allowed three runs in the second on a walk and three singles, including a two-run knock from Tyler Callihan and an RBI, opposite-field grounder from Jake Mangum. Bryan Reynolds led off the third inning with a homer to center, putting the Pirates ahead by four.

But Bubba Chandler wasn’t able to hold the lead. Chandler struggled with his command and allowed four earned runs on six hits and four walks in four innings. Luis Garcia Jr. hit a two-run shot off Chandler in the third to halve the deficit.

Chandler left the bases loaded with no outs in the fifth. Mason Montgomery retired the next three batters in order, but because Griffin had to dive to catch CJ Abrams’ popup, James Wood was able to tag and score from third and tie the game.

Both bullpens held steady after both starters had short outings. Cavalli, who met with a trainer mid-inning but stayed in, pitched just 2 1/3 innings. He was relieved by former Pirates prospect Eddy Yean, who made his major league debut with two hitless innings and three strikeouts. Montgomery, Isaac Mattson and Gregory Soto kept the Nationals scoreless until the Pirates had their five-run eighth.

With the win, the Pirates clinched their first multi-city winning road trip this year. They went 4-3 in their trip to Philadelphia and D.C., improving their road record to 23-23. They’ve only experienced one losing road trip, as they went 2-4 in Atlanta and Houston, 2-1 in Chicago, then 3-3 on the five other trips.

It was over when …

… Lowe’s homer hit the Nationals’ bullpen. The day after both he and Reynolds were snubbed from the All-Star Game, both added to their homer tallies.

On the mound

Chandler had shown growth of late, but Sunday represented a setback. Four walks were the most he’s had since May 16, while he’d also completed five innings in every start since then.

Chandler also didn’t have any strikeouts. His previous low was one, which he did in a six-inning start against the Colorado Rockies on June 19.

At the plate

The Pirates had 13 hits and went 5 for 15 with runners in scoring position.

Every spot in the lineup but one had at least one hit and scored one run. Esmerlyn Valdez went 0 for 5 with four strikeouts.

Bucs bites

— Before the game, the Pirates selected the contract of right-hander Noah Murdock to the 40-man roster and optioned him to Triple-A Indianapolis. To clear a space, they designated Davis Wendzel for assignment.

Murdock, 27, has a 4.26 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 12 2/3 innings at Triple-A Indianapolis. The 6-foot-8 reliever had a July 1 advancement clause in his contract, which means he had to be offered to all 29 major league teams. At least one was evidently interested, which means the Pirates had to add him to the 40-man roster to keep him in the organization.

Murdock was a Rule 5 selection by the Athletics in 2025, but struggled badly with command and walked 20 in 17 big league innings. He’s been much better this year, walking nine and striking out 39 in 30 2/3 innings at Low-A Bradenton, Double-A Altoona and Indianapolis. As the Pirates continue to look for bullpen options, Murdock seems likely to get an opportunity soon.

— On his weekly radio show, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said both Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz will be sidelined until after the All-Star break. Both are in Florida and progressing well. Cherington hopes each can return shortly after the break.

— Additionally, right-hander Wilber Dotel (right lat strain) will make a minor league rehab appearance on Tuesday, Cherington said. Left-hander Evan Sisk (left elbow inflammation) will be evaluated in Pittsburgh, but Cherington seemed optimistic he wouldn’t miss major time.

Up next

The Pirates are off Monday before beginning a six-game homestand against two of the best teams in baseball heading into the All-Star break. They’ll start Tuesday at 6:40 p.m. ET against the Atlanta Braves, who will send a pitcher to be named later to the mound against Paul Skenes (6-8, 3.62), followed by three games starting Friday against the Milwaukee Brewers.

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