Winners and Losers From Pirates Series Tie With Nationals

Loser - Mitch Keller's First Bad Outing

After three dynamite starts to begin the season, throwing 6.0 innings in each outing, Pirates veteran Mitch Keller faltered against the Nationals. He managed just 4.0 innings and allowed five earned runs before manager Don Kelly yanked him from the mound.

The veteran is allowed to have a not-so-great outing every now and then, and hopefully, he got this out of his system early. Keller has been excellent, and he remains essential to the Pirates' plans for 2026. Any stumble is reason to worry.

Winner - Jake Mangum Continues to Prove His Value

Outfielder Jake Mangum was one of the team's best players during the entire series against Washington, once again proving his value to the club.

Offensively, Magum has been consistent, recording at least one hit in each game played during the series. Whether it's in the starting lineup or as a pinch-hitter, his disciplined approach at the plate is paying off.

Defensively, he's been magnificent. A recent outfield assist highlighted his incredible arm strength and throwing accuracy, helping to keep the Pirates close late in a game.

Loser - Nick Yorke Stumbles

Asked to play a new position in the field this season, Nick Yorke has shown some flaws while at third base. He sailed a few ground balls over the head of the first baseman, and he needs to keep working through those defensive lapses.

The other problematic bit is that his work at the plate in this series was also disappointing. He managed just one hit in the series, going 0-for-11 over the first three contests. The Pirates love the 24-year-old, but he's working through that first-year slump.