The Atlanta Braves defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 12-5 last night at PNC Park. The Bucs had built a 5-2 lead through the first two innings. Starter Steven Brault managed to allow just one earned run through four innings, but the back-end of the Pirates bullpen allowed the game to get away, giving up nine runs over the final three innings. Kyle Crick the loss, giving up three runs in the seventh inning.
Melky Cabrera drove in three runs on two hits, including his fourth home run. Starling Marte and Elias Diaz each had two hits. Rookie Bryan Reynolds had a hit in his 12th consecutive game.
The Bucs and Braves play again tonight at 7:05pm. Pre-game on WISR is 6:40pm. Joe Musgrove will start for the Pirates.
The Pirates are now a half game out of last place in the National League Central Division. With their loss, and Cincinnati’s 4-1 win over St. Louis, the Pirates are five back in the Central. The Reds are 5-1/2 back. Milwaukee and the Chicago Cubs are tied for first place. The Cardinals are three back.
Former Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen’s season is over. Cutch suffered a torn ACL trying to get back to first base during a rundown in San Diego Monday.