Pirates reach season-high in hits in win against Braves

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

There are nights when Gregory Polanco will head to the dugout after an at-bat knowing it will be a while before he gets another turn at the plate.

Tuesday was not one of those nights.

The Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder — moonlighting in left field instead of his usual spot in right while Starling Marte is on paternity leave — ripped three doubles in a 12-9 victory over the Atlanta Braves.

Pittsburgh jumped on Atlanta starter Aaron Blair for nine runs then held on late while pounding out a season-high 21 hits.

“You have to stay ready because you’re hitting one inning and next thing you know, you might hit again,” Polanco said.

John Jaso, Andrew McCutchen and Francisco Cervelli also had three hits for the Pirates, who have won three straight and spoiled interim manager Brian Snitker’s debut with the Braves. Juan Nicasio (4-3) survived five innings to pick up the win.

Mark Melancon worked the ninth for his 13th save and third in as many games, the closer was pressed into service after the front end of the bullpen scuffled despite being staked to a sizable lead.

Mallex Smith hit two homers for the Braves, playing hours after manager Fredi Gonzalez was fired after five-plus seasons with Atlanta languishing in last place in the NL East. Rookie Aaron Blair (0-3) failed to make it out of the second inning as the Braves fell to a major-league worst 9-29. ü

Atlanta general manager John Coppolella refused to blame Gonzalez for the team’s current state.