Pirates 3, Braves 1: Gaby Sanchez hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth inning to support another solid pitching performance for host Pittsburgh.

James McDonald (2-2) allowed a run on two hits in six innings while striking out nine for the Pirates, who have seen three of their last four starters combine to allow four hits in 20 innings. Mark Melancon worked a scoreless eighth and Jason Grilli struck out the side in the ninth for his sixth save in as many chances as Pittsburgh won for the eighth time in 11 games.

Sanchez's blast off Paul Maholm (3-1) came directly after Andrew McCutchen ripped an RBI double to forge a 1-1 tie and end Maholm's season-opening scoreless streak at 25 2/3 innings. Maholm allowed three runs on four hits in six innings.

McDonald struck out the side in the first but a hit batter, double and walk loaded the bases in the second. The right-hander walked Andrelton Simmons to force in a run but escaped without further damage and would not allow another hit until the sixth inning.

Starling Marte began the Pittsburgh sixth with a walk and scored one out later on McCutchen's double. Sanchez followed with a blast to center, his first of the year and the first given up by Maholm since Marte took him deep Oct. 1 also at PNC Park.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Braves 2B Dan Uggla left in the fourth inning with a left calf strain. ... Pittsburgh has won five straight games when retiring the opponent in order in the first inning. ... Sanchez had three singles in his first 22 at-bats this year. He has a home run, double and single in his last five at-bats.