Pirates 4, Marlins 2
PITTSBURGH -- Charlie Morton pitched seven strong innings in his first start of the season, and Francisco Cervelli and Pedro Alvarez hit home runs as the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Miami Marlins 4-2 on Monday night.
Morton (1-0), who underwent surgery to repair the labrum in his right hip last September, was activated from the disabled list before the game and scattered eight hits in helping the Pirates win their fourth straight game.
Morton had three strikeouts and no walks, and he got 18 of his 21 outs via ground balls. He won his fourth straight decision against the Marlins and improved to 6-3 against them lifetime.
Cervelli, Alvarez, left fielder Starling Marte, second baseman Neil Walker and shortstop Jordy Mercer each had two hits for the Pirates (22-22), who beat the Marlins for the ninth time in their last 10 meetings at PNC Park and 13th time in 18 meetings overall.
Closer Mark Melancon pitched a perfect ninth for his 11th save in 12 opportunities.
Right fielder Giancarlo Stanton had two hits, including his 13th home run, and drove in both runs for the Marlins (18-28), who lost for the 12th time in 15 games and fell to 2-6 under new manager Dan Jennings.
Right-hander David Phelps (2-2) gave up four runs and eight hits in six innings with two walks and four strikeouts.
Cervelli put the Pirates ahead for good, 3-1, when he hit a three-run home run into the right-field stands in the second inning. It was the first by a Pittsburgh catcher this season.
Cervelli was acquired from the New York Yankees in a November trade. His homer came with one out following singles by second baseman Neil Walker and first baseman Pedro Alvarez.
Alvarez, the first baseman, made it 4-2 in the sixth inning with his ninth homer, an opposite-field laser to the first row of seats in right field.
Stanton singled home a run in the first inning to open the scoring, then drew the Marlins within 3-2 with an opposite-field shot to right in the third. He had been 3-for-30 in his previous eight games and improved to 9-for-18 lifetime against Morton.
Marlins third baseman Martin Prado singled in a run in the first inning.
Pirates third baseman Josh Harrison's 11-game hitting streak ended as he went 0-for-4.
NOTES: Pirates RHP Charlie Morton, who had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right hip last September, was activated from the disabled list and made his season debut as he started the opener of the three-game series. RHP Radhames Liz was designated for assignment after going 1-3 with a 3.63 ERA in 11 relief appearances. ... Marlins RHP Jarred Cosart (vertigo) is scheduled to throw off a mound Tuesday for the first time since being placed on the disabled list on May 14. ... Miami 1B Michael Morse did not start for a fifth straight game as his playing time has been drastically reduced since Dan Jennings replaced Mike Redmond as manager on May 18. ... Miami has not named a starter for Tuesday night's game, but indications are it will be RHP Andre Rienzo, who was called up Sunday from Triple-A New Orleans, where he was 0-3 with a 3.15 ERA in seven starts. Pittsburgh will start LHP Jeff Locke (2-2, 5.28), who is winless in his last six outings.