Rodriguez homers to lift Pirates

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Sean Rodriguez had a pinch-hit three-run homer in the ninth inning, lifting the Pittsburgh Pirates over the Philadelphia Phillies 5-3 on Tuesday night.

Pittsburgh remained six games behind the Mets for the second NL wild card.

Rodriguez hit for pitcher Felipe Rivero (1-5) with two on and one out and drilled a 2-2 pitch from reliever Hector Neris (4-4) into the second row of seats in right field.

Rodriguez’s home run was his 13th of the season and first since Aug. 14. It was also his first pinch-hit home run since May 25, 2013.

Tony Watson struck out two in the ninth for his 12th save.