The Latest Breaking News from Nationals

PITTSBURGH — Whether it’s the result of a shortened spring training or some unusually brisk temperatures for this time of year, the Pirates have made a habit out of slow starts and playing from behind during the first nine games of this season.

PITTSBURGH — It’s only eight games into the season, but the Pirates have already enjoyed a crash course on what’s possible when you get competent pitching. And it doesn’t matter how it comes. Just keeping the other team remotely in check allows the offense to do its thing.

Analysis: Plenty of high-profile candidates are chasing rightwing votes, but only one will likely get a Senate seat

PITTSBURGH — Lunch time Tuesday featured news that the Pirates had avoided an arbitration hearing with their best player, signing Bryan Reynolds to a two-year contract worth $13.5 million. It ended with a victory that was even more unlikely, especially after an ugly first inning.

The Nationals are throwing resources into flipping the seats of the Hunter and Lingiari from Labor but will need to defend territory in Queensland and NSW.

The federal election campaign is underway and political advertising has really started to ramp up. But who is the target audience for each party’s ad, what are their key messages and how effective will they be?

The greatest hitting prodigy since Ted Williams conquers baseball’s top pitchers with power, patience and contact.

George Christensen caused the government a heap of trouble while he was in the Nationals, and is set to be a pest now he’s jumped ship.

ATLANTA — One day after a convincing 16-4 victory against the Washington Nationals, the Braves managed only three hits in a 3-1 loss to their National League East rival.

PHILADELPHIA — If Tylor Megill’s first terrific start of the season was just a trial-run against a rebuilding Nationals team, then his second outing of the year against a loaded Phillies lineup was a big test. Megill, again unflappable, passed with flying colors.

National Party defector George Christensen appears on track to receive a $105,000 taxpayer-funded payout after his decision to contest an unwinnable position on One Nation's Senate ticket for Queensland.