Diamondbacks 15, Pirates 5
Martin Prado went 4-for-5 and belted a three-run homer to cap a six-run third inning as visiting Arizona romped to even the series at one game apiece.
Paul Goldschmidt also had a three-run blast and Wil Nieves added two hits and three RBIs as the Diamondbacks piled up 20 hits to improve to 7-3 in their last 10. Pittsburgh absorbed its sixth loss in eight games and saw its lead in the National League Central cut to two games over St. Louis.
Trevor Cahill (4-10), making his first appearance since June 30, snapped a six-game losing streak by giving up four runs on seven hits in five innings and helped himself with a two-run single during the decisive third-inning rally. Didi Gregorius had three hits and two RBIs and Jason Kubel added a two-run single as Arizona pulled within five games of Cincinnati for the second wild-card slot.
Pedro Alvarez belted a three-run homer and Starling Marte added a solo shot for the Pirates, who couldn't overcome the early 8-0 deficit and had their six-game home win streak snapped. Left-hander Jeff Locke (9-4) lasted only 2 2/3 innings and gave up a career-high eight runs on 10 hits to remain winless since July 21.
The Diamondbacks KO'd Locke in the third, doing all the damage with seven consecutive two-out hits, including Prado's 11th homer. Alvarez's blast cut the deficit to 8-4 in the bottom of the third and Pittsburgh pulled with 8-5 in the sixth, but Kubel's two-run single sparked a four-run eighth to extend the lead to 12-5.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Prado extended his RBI streak to five games and has knocked in 13 runs in the last 10 for Arizona, which matched a franchise record with the seven straight hits in the third inning and tied a season best with its six-run frame. ... Alvarez matched his career high of 30 homers set a year ago and became the fifth player in franchise history with back-to-back 30-homer seasons, joining Ralph Kiner, Willie Stargell, Brian Giles and Jason Bay. He is tied with Goldschmidt for the NL lead. ... Pirates CF Andrew McCutchen went 3-for-4 and has multiple hits in 10 of his last 14 games.