The Pittsburgh Pirates topped the San Francisco Giants on Saturday afternoon at PNC Park by a score of 3-1, thanks in large part to their pitching.
Over seven innings, starter James McDonald scattered just four hits and allowed one run, while striking out 10 batters. It was his fourth straight start where he earned the win, while his ERA also dipped to 2.37. Then, Jason Grilli would strike out three batters in a scoreless eighth inning and closer Joel Hanrahan, pitching the ninth, recorded the save, his 23rd of the season.
The Pirates' offensive production would come in the third, fourth and sixth, highlighted by a solo homer to left field from Michael McKenry.
The rubber-match finale is scheduled for Sunday at 1:35 p.m. EST. A.J. Burnett will be on the hill for Pittsburgh.
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