With their 5-4 win last night in Pittsburgh, your Washington Nationals took the series against the Pirates two games to one and notched their second series win in three tries on their latest road trip.

Staying with the formula that got them into first place, last night’s win was a total team effort. After giving up two home runs early, starter John Patterson, settled down in the third. “After the second inning, I could’ve gone two ways,” Patterson told the Post. “I could’ve packed it in, or I could’ve battled. I decided to battle.” And battle he did, retiring 13 of the next 14 Pirates. Jose Guillen did his part at the plate, going 4 for 5 with two dingers as well as on the basepaths, forcing a rundown in fifth that allowed Jamey Carroll to score from third base. Add another solid performance from the Nats bullpen, Chad Cordero converted his 20th straight game saving opportunity, and some slick fielding from Ryan Church and that’s the ballgame.

Today the team returns home and begins preparations for the AL’s Toronto Blue Jays, who beat the Nats in 2 out of 3 tries last month. Unlike recent games, this weekend’s series of games will be available on channel 20.