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Michael Morse's third-inning throwing error snapped a streak of 214 consecutive errorless games by the Nationals' first baseman. Morse hadn't committed an error since Aug. 15, 2005, when he was playing for the Seattle Mariners against Kansas City. He had handled 764 chances without a miscue since his last error, which came while he was playing shortstop.
With two down, Morse ranged to his right to grab a bouncer by Pittsburgh's Andrew McCutchen, but threw behind pitcher Tom Gorzelanny as he neared first base. Gorzelanny tried to bare-hand the toss, but it glanced off his left hand, allowing McCutchen to easily reach.
It was the second error of the inning by the Nationals, who allowed the Pirates to take a 1-0 lead on an unearned run. With Michael McKenry on first via a leadoff infield single, Pittsburgh pitcher Charlie Morton attempted to bunt, but popped up, only to have a diving Gorzelanny muff the catch and push the ball into foul territory. Morton was credited with a sacrifice and Gorzelanny picked up an error, allowing McKenry to advance to third.
McKenry later scored on Alex Presley's groundout to Morse at first.
Three innings are in the books and the Pirates are up 1-0.
