With the Pirates completing a sweep of the Houston Astros and the Cincinnati Reds losing to the San Diego Padres Thursday, the Bucs moved a full two games up on the rest of the N.L. Central.
The Reds scored an early run in San Diego but gave up one run each in the eighth and ninth and lost 2-1. They've now lost three in a row, while the Pirates have won four straight.
The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Colorado Rockies 6-2 to remain 2.5 games back of the Pirates.
Here are the full N.L. Central standings.
Pirates 46-36
Reds 44-38 2 GB
Cardinals 44-39 2.5 GB
Brewers 38-44 8 GB
Astros 32-51 14.5 GB
Cubs 31-51 15 GB
The Pirates open a series against the San Francisco Giants Friday night at PNC Park.
For the full MLB standings, click here.
For more on the Pirates, check out Bucs Dugout. For more on the Reds, there's Red Reporter.