James Loney’s pinch-hit three-run homer capped a four-run sixth inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates 7-2 on Friday.

Hiroki Kuroda (12-16) gave up two runs – one earned – over six innings to avoid becoming the first Dodger since Fernando Valenzuela in 1984 to lose 17 games.

Dee Gordon went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two stolen bases to give him 21 steals in 45 games.

Jeff Locke (0-2) gave up three runs over three innings as the Pirates lost to the Dodgers for the fourth time in six games this season.

Alex Presley led off the sixth with his third home run to bring the Pirates within a run, but the Dodgers answered with four runs off three relievers in the bottom half.

The Dodgers improved to 55-23 against the Pirates since 2001, the best record in the majors against Pittsburgh during that span.