The Atlanta Braves had a chance to win yet another series on Monday night against the Pirates, but a poor showing from Mike Minor stopped any chance of that as the club fell 9-3. The young lefty worked 6.1 innings and allowed seven runs to score on eight hits and three walks. Minor did strike out nine, though, and was on the wrong end of a few bloops early in the game.
James McDonald made the start for the Pirates and was excellent, striking out 10 batters in 7.2 innings. He allowed seven hits and two walks, allowing three runs to score.
Freddie Freeman hit a two-run homer in the first inning to give the club an early lead, but that was about all Atlanta would do with the bats for the rest of the evening. Pedro Alvarez and Yamaico Navarro both hit two-run home runs of their own, and the game was blown wide open once Chad Durbin entered the game in the seventh inning.
Every starter for Pittsburgh had at least one hit. Neil Walker had three.
Just a rough game for the Braves. The two clubs split the four-game series 2-2.
Next up for Atlanta: The Phillies, who will make their way to Turner Field on Tuesday evening to kick off their first series of the year.
For more on the Braves, check out Talking Chop.