Pirates 7, Marlins 2
MIAMI -- Center fielder Andrew McCutchen homered, doubled and drove in four runs to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 7-2 win over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night at Marlins Park.
McCutchen slugged a three-run home run that served as the highlight of the Pirates' game-changing six-run second inning. It was McCutchen's 20th homer of the season -- his fifth straight year reaching that milestone.
The Pirates (76-49), who won for the 11th time in their past 14 games, have the second-best record in the majors. Miami (51-76) has one of the three-worst records in the majors.
Left-hander Jeff Locke (7-8), gifted with that early run support, earned just his second win since July 5, allowing two runs in seven innings. He had been 0-2 with a 6.43 ERA in August before beating Miami.
Miami left-hander Chris Narveson (1-1), making his first major league start since 2012, allowed eight hits, three walks and seven runs in 3 2/3 innings.
Narveson walked the first batter he faced and fell behind 1-0 just 13 pitches into his start when McCutchen pulled an RBI double to left.
Miami third baseman Martin Prado pulled a solo homer down the line in left field to tie the score 1-1 in the bottom of the first. It was his sixth homer of the year and second in the past week.
The Pirates broke the game open with six hits and one walk in a six-run second inning. Besides McCutchen's homer, their other RBI hits were a double by second baseman Neil Walker and singles by catcher Chris Stewart and left fielder Starling Marte.
Miami closed to 7-2 in the bottom of the second when center fielder Marcell Ozuna doubled and came around to score on a groundout by catcher J.T. Realmuto.
NOTES: Pirates C Francisco Cervelli was not in the lineup after injuring both feet Tuesday. Backup C Chris Stewart, who entered Wednesday 0-for-16 since he last caught a runner trying to steal, got the start. He received a break as Miami rested 2B Dee Gordon one night after he stole four bases. ... LHP Chris Narveson became the 13th pitcher to start for Miami this season. The Marlins have had seven starting pitchers on the disabled list this season. ... Miami's projected starting outfield of RF Giancarlo Stanton, CF Marcell Ozuna and LF Christian Yelich has been together for only 44 games this year but could be reunited by Sept. 4, when Stanton (fractured left hand) is expected to return. ... Marlins RHP Carter Capps, who hasn't pitched since Aug. 2, is still feeling discomfort in his right elbow. ... Pirates RHP Charlie Morton attributed Tuesday's loss to losing the touch on his sinker and curveball.