LATE SATURDAY Giants 7, Pirates 6

SAN FRANCISCO — Rich Aurilia hit one of three Giants home runs and San Francisco finally beat the Pittsburgh Pirates at home. Scott McClain homered for the second time in four games and Nate Schierholtz hit his first career home run to help the Giants snap a seven-game losing streak at home against the Pirates. The Giants hadn’t beaten the Pirates at AT&T Park since June 8, 2006. Bengie Molina had three hits for San Francisco, which won for only the third time in 17 games against Pittsburgh. McClain, the 36-year-old infielder who was called up from the minors on Monday, hit the first pitch he saw from reliever John Grabow for a two-run home run that capped San Francisco’s five-run seventh inning. It came four days after McClain became the oldest position player to hit his first major league home run since 1955. Geno Espinelli (2-0) pitched a third of an inning for the win while closer Brian Wilson worked 1 2/3 innings for his 37th save in 40 chances despite giving up a run in the ninth. It was the longest save outing by Wilson since he got five outs against Milwaukee on Aug. 25, 2007. Freddy Sanchez had four hits and two RBIs for Pittsburgh, which blew a 4-1 lead and ruined a strong outing by starter Paul Maholm. Maholm allowed seven hits over six innings and struck out five but was shut out of the decision after manager John Russell made the call to the bullpen.

Associated Press