Braves 4, Pirates 2 (11)
Pinch hitter Brooks Conrad launched a two-run homer to deep right-center field in the 11th inning to lift Atlanta to a 4-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, giving the Braves a sweep in the two-game series.
Conrad's first homer of the season came off reliever Jeff Karstens (3-3). Atlanta closer Craig Kimbrel did not allow a hit in the bottom of the 11th inning to earn his 14th save and preserve the win for reliever George Sherrill (1-0).
The Pirates wasted an opportunity to win the game in the ninth inning when they loaded the bases with one out against Jonny Venters. But the left-hander got Steve Pearce to hit a roller to Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones, who threw home to catcher Brian McCann, who then fired to first for a double play that ended the threat.
Atlanta had taken a 2-1 lead in the sixth when Eric Hinske drove a pitch from Pittsburgh starter James McDonald deep into the right field stands with two outs for his fifth homer. But the Pirates tied the game in the seventh when Pearce hit his first home run off reliever Eric O'Flaherty. Pearce also drove in Pittsburgh's first run with a single in the third.
Atlanta wasted a fine start from Mike Minor, who was recalled from Triple A as a replacement for Tim Hudson, sidelined with a balky back. Minor, the team's first-round draft choice in 2009, allowed only one run in 5 2/3 innings and struck out five.