PITTSBURGH — Max Scherzer came within a grazed elbow of a perfect game the last time he faced the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Not this time. Not even close.
Gregory Polanco ended a 12-pitch at bat with a two-run homer off the Washington Nationals ace and later added an RBI-single off reliever Sammy Solis as the Pirates pulled away for a 7-5 win on Friday night.
"That's kind of what we're known for, just battling and grinding it out," said Pittsburgh second baseman Neil Walker. "Games like tonight are pretty impressive given that's one of the best pitchers in the league.