Pirates use back-to-back HRs to topple Braves

Colin Moran hit a two-run homer, Gregory Polanco added a solo shot and Josh Bell doubled three times Thursday for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who topped the visiting Atlanta Braves 6-1 to take two of three in their series. It was the first series win by the Pirates since they won three of four at San Diego May 16-19. They had lost four straight series.

One of Bell's doubles drove in two runs. His total of 25 two-baggers leads the major leagues. His 45 extra-base hits also leads the majors and marks a club record through 61 games. Freddie Freeman hit a homer and walked, and Brian McCann was 2-for-3 for the Braves, who had won six of their previous seven series.

Pittsburgh starter Chris Archer (3-5) gave up one run and six hits in six-plus innings, with six strikeouts and two walks. He won for a second straight start after previously not getting a win since April 7. Felipe Vazquez got the final four outs, albeit after loading the bases in the ninth, for his 15th save.

Atlanta starter Mike Foltynewicz (1-5) pitched six innings, allowing three runs, all on homers on two successive pitches, and six hits, with five strikeouts and one walk. He retired the final 10 batters he faced. He has coughed up 15 homers in 44 1/3 innings this season. The Braves took a 1-0 lead on Freeman's 16th homer, a shot to the PNC Park bushes in center, with two outs in the first.

Pittsburgh answered in the second. Bell led off with a double to right, and Moran homered for the second straight game. His blast to right for his eighth dinger gave the Pirates a 2-1 lead. Polanco followed with a first-pitch homer, his sixth and also to right, to increase it to 3-1.

Bell hit a two-out, two-run double in the eighth off Jacob Webb to make it 5-1. Elias Diaz followed with a double to drive in Bell and up it to 6-1. --Field Level Media