ATLANTA - Andrew McCutchen had three hits, including a double in the fifth inning that gave Pittsburgh the lead and a two-run homer in the ninth, and the Pirates beat the Atlanta Braves 5-2 on Thursday night for a split of the four-game series.
McCutchen had been 1 for 11 in the series, which included wins by the Braves in 19 and 10 innings, before meeting with manager Clint Hurdle before Thursday's game. Hurdle said he asked McCutchen to compare video of his swing from recent games and when he was having more success.
The quick study must have helped. McCutchen had a first-inning single before snapping a 1-all tie with his fifth-inning double off Derek Lowe (6-9).
McCutchen added his 15th homer, a two-run shot off George Sherrill, in the ninth.