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Nats, Bucs go at it again at PNC Park

Apr 24, 2011 - 3:45 PM (Sports Network) - Surprise early-season star Kevin Correia goes for a fourth victory today when the Pittsburgh Pirates entertain the Washington Nationals in the middle game of a weather-impacted three-game series at PNC Park.

Game one of the series was scheduled for Friday, but was shifted to Monday after heavy rains in the area. Saturday's makeshift opener was also delayed by rain before the teams got started.

Once the action started, Lyle Overbay had two RBI singles, Andrew McCutchen scored three times and Pittsburgh rolled to a 7-2 victory.

The Pirates scored six runs in the first two innings against Livan Hernandez (2-2) to take control. He finished the game giving up seven runs - four earned - on nine hits over six innings.

Jeff Karstens (2-0) earned the win after allowing two runs on six hits and a walk in six-plus innings. He struck out three and was pulled after giving up back-to-back hits to start the seventh.

Chris Resop, Joe Beimel and Evan Meek threw one scoreless inning apiece to preserve the win.

Correia, who'd won 36 games in 232 major-league appearances entering the season, picked up win No. 3 in four decisions on April 18 in the Pirates' 9-3 rout of the Cincinnati Reds.

He went the nine-inning distance for just the second time in his career, scattering four hits and three runs.

He's pitched at least six innings in each of four starts in 2011 and added a scoreless inning of relief against Colorado on April 9. The Pirates are 3-1 in his four starts.

In 29 innings, he's allowed 21 hits and eight earned runs.

Lifetime against Washington, Correia is 2-1 with a blown save in 10 appearances (3 starts).

The Nationals go with veteran righty Jason Marquis, who's pitched well in a return after injuries held him to just 13 starts last season.

The 32-year-old has pitched six or more innings in each of three starts in 2011, allowing two, three and two runs, respectively, while getting a win and two no-decisions.

The Nationals are 2-1 in the three games and have outscored their opponents, 17-10.

Marquis, who won 15 games for Colorado in 2009, is 11-6 in his career against the Pirates with a 3.57 ERA in 146 1/3 innings.