Pirates 3, Braves 2 (10 innings)
PITTSBURGH -- Shortstop Jordy Mercer doubled to right field with one out in the 10th inning to drive in the winning run and push the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 3-2 walk-off victory over the Atlanta Braves on Friday.
The Pirates played their second consecutive extra-inning game and 10th of the season. They are 3-7 in such games this season.
Center fielder Andrew McCutchen led off the 10th with a double to left field off Atlanta reliever Jason Grilli (2-3), and left fielder Starling Marte was intentionally walked. After first baseman Pedro Alvarez struck out, Mercer delivered his game-winning hit.
Pirates right-hander Mark Melancon (1-1) pitched a scoreless 10th to pick up his first win of the season.
Pittsburgh left-hander Francisco Liriano was charged for two runs and six hits in seven innings. He walked three out and struck out three.
Third baseman Juan Uribe tied the game in the sixth inning with a solo home run to pull the Braves even at 2-2.
Atlanta scored first in the second inning as Liriano encountered command issues.
First baseman Chris Johnson singled and advanced to third on Uribe's base hit with no outs. Liriano walked left fielder Jonny Gomes to load the bases and then walked catcher Ryan Lavarnway to force in a run with one out.
Atlanta starting pitcher Williams Perez popped out and second baseman Jace Peterson struck out to leave the bases loaded in the inning.
Liriano allowed runners to reach base in each of his first four innings but induced three double play balls to avoid damage.
Perez did not make it out of the fifth after he was hit on the left ankle with a line drive off third baseman Josh Harrison's bat. Perez briefly lay face down in front of the mound but returned to his feet.
After walking second baseman Neil Walker on four pitches, Perez was called for a balk, then hit McCutchen and was replaced by left-hander Luis Avilan. Left fielder Starling Marte reached base on an infield single and Alvarez hit a two-run single to center for a 2-1 Pittsburgh lead.
Perez was charged with two runs and four hits in 4 2/3 innings. He walked two and struck out two.
NOTES: Pittsburgh RHP Rob Scahill (forearm) was placed on the 15-day disabled list and RHP Deolis Guerra was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis. ... Atlanta RHP Brandon Cunniff (groin) was placed on the 15-day disabled list and RHP Sugar Ray Marimon was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett. ... Pirates LF Starling Marte returned the starting lineup after he received a day off Thursday.