Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg twirled a gem on Saturday, but was not backed by enough run support and was hit with the loss, in a 3-2 defeat to the Pirates in Pittsburgh.

Strasburg (3-4) allowed a home run to Neil Walker in the fourth inning and two runs in the seventh, including a go-ahead run-scoring single to Josh Harrison. The right-hander permitted three runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out seven in seven innings of work.

Strasburg has allowed three earned runs in two of his last three starts. He owns a 3.42 ERA, a 1.29 WHIP and 81:18 K:BB ratio in 68 1/3 innings pitched. He will make his next start Friday at home against Texas.