Mercer’s walk-off double lifts Pirates

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

Jordy Mercer’s confidence never wavered during another lethargic start at the plate, one that saw him ceding at-bats and playing time to Pittsburgh Pirates rookie teammate Jung Ho Kang.

The streaky shortstop flourished after a bumpy beginning a year ago. He knew if he just kept grinding, things would even out.

“The last couple weeks I’ve been hitting the ball so hard, seeing it so well,” Mercer said. “I’m in a good place.”

Certainly looks like it. Mercer doubled home Andrew McCutchen with one out in the bottom of the 10th inning to lift the Pirates to a 3-2 win over the Atlanta Braves on Friday night.

McCutchen doubled off former teammate Jason Grilli (2-3) leading off the inning and three batters later, Mercer’s third hit of the game smacked off the right-field wall as the Pirates won for just the second time in their last seven games.

“Leadoff guy gets on, sometimes you can create a situation when a leadoff guy gets on,” said Grilli, an All-Star closer for the Pirates in 2013. “I tried to make some pitches and just didn’t (do it).”

Mark Melancon (1-1) pitched a scoreless top of the 10th for Pittsburgh as the Pirates’ bullpen didn’t allow a hit in three innings of relief. Pedro Alvarez added two RBIs for the Pirates.

“We have grown into a team that believes it can get things done,” Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle said. “We’ve still got work to do.”

Juan Uribe homered for Atlanta and Eddie Perez had two hits, but the Braves dropped their fourth straight game.