Pirates blitz Nats in series opener, 7-3

Francisco Liriano gave up a run on three hits in six-plus innings of work to pitch the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 7-3 win over the Washington Nationals Thursday night.

Liriano (6-6, 2.91 ERA) struck out 11 and walked three. Washington starter Doug Fister (3-6, 4.50 ERA) took the loss, giving up four runs on nine hits in five innings, striking out six and walking one.

Pedrp Alvarez (13), Andrew McCutcheon (13) and Francisco Cervelli (5) each homered for the Pirates, who had 13 hits on the night.

Ian Desmond hit a two-run homer in the ninth, his ninth home run of the season.

The Nats (51-43) have a three-game lead on the New York Mets atop the National League East.