Slump-buster: ‘Cutch’ hits two HRs

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

Andrew McCutchen broke out of his slump in a big way and helped the Pittsburgh Pirates get back-to-back wins for the first time in 21/2 weeks.

McCutchen homered twice, Jeff Locke took a perfect game into the sixth inning, and the Pirates beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-1 Saturday night.

It was McCutchen’s 11th career multi-homer game — second this year. The nine-year veteran’s batting average had dropped to .239 — 55 points below his career average — after going 9 for 49 (.184) with 16 strikeouts in his previous 13 games.

“He’s going to get to somebody sooner or later,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “It really doesn’t matter who. They can be good. They could have been around. They can be young, fresh. He’s going to get to somebody.”

Pittsburgh has won consecutive games for the first time since sweeping a doubleheader from the New York Mets on June 7.

McCutchen had a solo shot in the fourth for the game’s first hit and then a three-run shot — his 12th homer of the season — to start a five-run sixth that increased the lead to 6-1.

“Of course, it’s helpful,” McCutchen said about the homers helping his confidence. “Oh-for-100, that ain’t helping. It’s good to put some hits on the board and not only get some hits but some big hits. It felt good to be able to get a pitch to hit and square it up.”

Locke (7-5) retired the first 15 batters before doubles by Scott Van Slyke and A.J. Ellis to start the sixth inning broke up his perfect game and shutout bids. Locke allowed one run and five hits in seven innings, striking out three and walking none.

He has given up one run in 132/3 innings in his last two starts after being rocked for 18 runs in 82/3 innings in two previous two starts.

“They’re an aggressive lineup, so it’s either a lot of hits or a lot of outs when teams are aggressive,” Locke said. “We got a lot of outs, so it was a good team effort, especially with the defense playing unbelievable behind me.”