McDonald is sharp for Bucs

Associated Press

ATLANTA

James McDonald and the Pittsburgh Pirates keep finding ways to win.

McDonald struck out a career-high nine in 51/3 scoreless innings and the Pirates beat the Atlanta Braves 3-1 on Monday nigh.

The Braves outhit the Pirates 9-5, but Pittsburgh took advantage of its few scoring chances.

Braves starter Tim Hudson issued three walks in seven innings — and each of the three scored.

“Championship teams, they make good outs,” said Pirates manager Clint Hurdle. “They find a way to score without hits. We were able to find a way of doing that tonight, and we have to.”

McDonald (6-4) had the most strikeouts by a Pirates pitcher in almost two years. He gave up eight hits but did not walk a batter and ended each of the first five innings with strikeouts.

“It’s really important,” McDonald said of avoiding walks. “It’s been an issue for me this year. I told myself in the second half I was going to keep my walks down.”

McDonald has not allowed a run in two straight wins. He said he is focused on being more aggressive on the mound and staying ahead in the count.

“Being ahead is a big key for me,” McDonald said.

“They’re a good-hitting team. They’re going to get their hits. The thing is to keep the damage to a minimum.”

Joel Hanrahan pitched a perfect ninth for his 29th save in 30 chances.

Atlanta’s Chipper Jones came off the disabled list with two hits, including a homer off Daniel McCutchen in the eighth.

McDonald struck out Alex Gonzalez to end the second inning with runners on first and third. The right-hander struck out Freddie Freeman to end the third with runners on second and third. He fanned Gonzalez again to end the fourth following Nate McLouth’s second hit.

The Braves loaded the bases against McDonald with one out in the sixth. Right-hander Chris Resop took over and ended the threat on McLouth’s popup and Gonzalez’s third strikeout.