Marlins 2, Pirates 0
Henderson Alvarez pitched six solid innings and Giancarlo Stanton belted a solo homer as Miami claimed the opener of a three-game series with visiting Pittsburgh.
Alvarez (1-1) allowed only two hits, one walk and struck out five for his first victory as a Marlin and Steve Cishek worked the ninth to earn his 21st save. Stanton walked twice and had two hits, including his blast to left field on a 3-1 pitch in the seventh that gave Miami a 2-0 lead.
Andrew McCutchen and Pedro Alvarez each singled with two outs in the ninth before Cishek retired Jose Tabata on a groundout to end the game. Pittsburgh starter Jeff Locke (9-3) yielded two runs on eight hits and six walks while striking out a career-high nine over 6 2/3 innings.
Miami left seven runners on base against Locke in the first five innings, but finally broke through in the sixth. The Marlins loaded the bases with a pair of walks and a single before pinch hitter Placido Polanco’s infield single pushed across Donovan Solano.
Alvarez also doubled to left field in the second inning for the Marlins, but Jeff Mathis was thrown out at the plate on the play to end the threat. A.J. Ramos struck out the side in the seventh while Mike Dunn and Chad Qualls combined on a scoreless eighth for Miami, which has won four of its last five.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Pittsburgh RHP Jason Grilli was diagnosed with flexor strain in his right forearm Friday and is expected to miss between four and eight weeks. Grilli’s 30 saves were tied for the National League lead through Thursday. … Marlins CF Jake Marisnick singled in the sixth inning for his first major-league hit. … Pittsburgh SS Jordy Mercer’s single in the third inning extended his career-best hitting streak to 11 games.