WASHINGTON, July 24 (UPI) -- Michael McKenry's two-out single drove in two runs during a three-run ninth inning Wednesday, lifting Pittsburgh to a 4-2 win over Washington.
The Pirates were nursing a 1-0 lead heading into the ninth before producing some vital insurance that brought them their fourth win in a row.
After Pittsburgh built its lead to four runs in the top of the ninth, Justin Wilson gave up a single to Ryan Zimmerman leading off the bottom of the inning and Jayson Werth then hit a two-run homer.
Mark Melancon replaced Wilson and quickly dispatched the Nationals to earn his third save.
Francisco Liriano (10-4) allowed two hits over 7 2/3 innings to get the victory. He struck out eight and walked three.
Liriano outpitched Stephen Strasburg (5-8), who gave up a second-inning home run to Pedro Alvarez. Strasburg struck out 12 over eight innings. The three ninth-inning Pittsburgh runs were charged to Drew Storen.
