PITTSBURGH, July 1 (UPI) -- Jesus Flores hit a key two-run homer Sunday as Washington edged Pittsburgh 3-2.
His first major league round-tripper provided the eventual winning runs in the top of the sixth, and extended Washington's lead to 3-0.
Robert Fick hit an RBI groundout in the fourth, while Dmitri Young had a run and two hits as the Nationals prevented a three-game sweep and broke a five-game losing streak.
Winner Mike Bacsik (3-5) gave up two earned runs on five hits in six innings with a walk and two strikeouts. Chad Cordero earned his 14th save.
Pittsburgh's Jack Wilson and Ryan Doumit both hit sacrifice flies in the bottom of the seventh. Adam LaRoche scored once and had three of the six hits for the Pirates, who have split their last four.
Loser Paul Maholm (4-11) surrendered three earned runs on nine hits in seven innings with a walk and five strikeouts.
