WASHINGTON -- They have been the two best bullpens in the Majors in September, as the Nationals and Pirates entered Thursday's game first and second, respectively, in relievers ERA this month. And yet, the Bucs struck for two in the top of the ninth inning to tie the game before Alejandro De Aza singled home the game-winning run for a 5-4 Nats walk-off victory.
De Aza also drove in the go-ahead run in the seventh inning before he came up with the game-winning hit in the ninth against Pirates right-hander Daniel Hudson. De Aza's heroics were made possible after Nationals closer Sean Doolittle blew his first save opportunity since joining the club this summer, surrendering a two-run homer to Josh Bell.