PITTSBURGH — Gerrit Cole became the majors' first 14-game winner, leading the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 3-1 victory over the Washington Nationals on Sunday.
Cole allowed one run and seven hits in 7 2/3 innings while improving to 3-1 with a 2.40 ERA in four July starts. The right-hander struck out eight and walked none.
Cole (14-4) also became the first Pittsburgh pitcher with 14 wins before August since Dock Ellis in 1971.
Danny Espinosa chased Cole with a single that put two runners on for Bryce Harper, who grounded out against left-hander Tony Watson. Mark Melancon picked up his major league-best 32nd save with a scoreless ninth.