Nationals avoid sweep by Pirates  THURSDAY MAY 21, 2009 The Washington Nationals rallied with two runs in the eighth inning to earn a 5-4 victory, and avoid a four-game sweep at the hands of the Pittsburgh Pirates Thursday at Nationals Park. Washington won the game as -120 favorites, while the nine runs went UNDER the posted over/under (10.5). Josh Bard led the way with two RBIs for the Nationals. Julian Tavarez got the win in relief, and Joel Hanrahan collected his fourth save by closing out the ninth. Adam LaRoche belted a two-run homer for the Pirates. Tom Gorzelanny surrendered two runs off four hits in taking the loss on the mound.