Paul Maholm (1-6, 3.68 ERA) is arguably off to the best start of his career, as long as you throw out the win loss record. The 28 year old starter fell to 1-6 on the season in the Pirates 4-2 loss to the Nationals on Tuesday night. Maholm allowed 4 hits and 3 runs in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out 7 and walked 2 in the loss. Maholm pitched well enough for the Pirates to win again but the lack of run support continues to haunt Maholm. The Pirates have scored 14 runs in Maholm’s 9 starts, a total of 56 1/3 innings