The game turned in one devastating inning. Pittsburgh scored eight runs in the sixth to transform a 4-1 lead into a 12-1 rout, eventually defeating Washington 16-5 at PNC Park.
Paul Skenes anchored the victory with six innings of one-run ball, allowing just one hit while striking out six. The right-hander improved to 3-1 with a 4.00 ERA, dominating after Abrams homered in the first inning for Washington's early lead.
The sixth inning broke the game open. Reynolds tripled to right, scoring Davis, Cruz and Lowe to make it 8-1. O'Hearn doubled home Reynolds, Griffin singled home O'Hearn, and Cruz singled home two more. Lowe capped the outburst with a three-run homer to right, his second hit of the inning and fifth RBI of the game.
Cade Cavalli lasted just 1.1 innings for Washington, allowing four runs on three hits and three walks. The left-hander fell to 0-1 with a 4.60 ERA as Pittsburgh built an early advantage with four runs in the second inning.
Pittsburgh improved to 9-6 and maintained first place in the division. Washington fell to 7-8 despite entering on a three-game winning streak. Reynolds finished 4 RBIs away from 500 career RBIs after driving in four runs on three hits.