Bucs’ quest to catch Cards sidetracked by the Braves
Pirates starting pitcher Jeff Locke reacts after allowing a hit to Atlanta’s Julio Teheran in the second inning of Wednesday’s game.
Atlanta’s Christian Bethancourt scores on a Julio Teheran two-run single as Pittsburgh catcher Russell Martin handles a late throw in the third inning of Wednesday’s game.
ATLANTA – Andrew McCutchen homered for Pittsburgh’s only runs, and the Pirates stumbled in their chase for the NL Central title, falling to the Atlanta Braves 6-2 on Wednesday night.
The Pirates, who clinched a playoff spot on Tuesday night, began the night 1½ games behind St. Louis. Pittsburgh lost for only the fourth time in its last 19 games.
McCutchen had two hits, including a two-run homer in the fifth inning after Atlanta led 6-0.
Jeff Locke (7-6) allowed six runs and 13 baserunners – eight hits and five walks – in only four innings.
Justin Upton hit a two-run homer and pitcher Julio Teheran and Emilio Bonifacio each had two-run singles as Atlanta ended a five-game losing streak. Teheran (14-13) allowed six hits and two runs in five innings.
Craig Kimbrel struck out McCutchen and Travis Snider with two on to earn his 45th save.
The loss also brought an injury concern for the Pirates. Catcher Russell Martin left the game in the fifth inning with tightness in his left hamstring.
The Braves improved their dismal September record to 5-16. Their six runs matched their combined output in the five straight losses.
Pittsburgh lost a day after its clubhouse celebration at Turner Field, where champagne and beer flowed freely. The Pirates wrapped up their postseason berth exactly one year after clinching a place in the 2013 playoffs to end a 21-year drought.
McCutchen drove in Starling Marte, who had two hits, with his 25th homer.
Josh Harrison’s ninth-inning single off Jordan Walden gave him a 12-game hitting streak. Marte followed with a sharp grounder which third baseman Phil Gosselin bobbled for an error, putting runners on first and second with one out.
Upton set a career high with his 28th homer. He has 99 RBIs, also a career high.
Christian Bethancourt hit two ground-rule doubles for Atlanta.
Edinson Volquez (12-7) will start Thursday night in the final game of the four-game series.