Maholm, Pirates beat Mets 3-1 to split series

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Paul Maholm pitched seven shutout innings, Brandon Wood homered and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the New York Mets 3-1 on Monday night to split their four-game series.

Maholm (3-7) lowered his ERA to 3.12, allowing only three hits and two walks. Hampered by poor run support, he won for just the second time since April 25.

New York starter Mike Pelfrey nearly matched Maholm, giving up two runs and four hits in seven innings. He did not walk a batter.

Neil Walker had two RBIs as Pittsburgh (32-33) moved within a game of .500.

For the second time in three days, the Mets (32-34) missed an opportunity to reach .500 for the second time since April 9.

New York and Pittsburgh also split a four-game series at Citi Field from May 30 to June 2.