Atlanta Braves’ Justin Upton follows through an two-run home run in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014, in Atlanta.ATLANTA – Andrew McCutchen homered for Pittsburgh’s only runs, and the Pirates stumbled in their chase for the NL Central title, falling to the Atlanta Braves 6-2 on Wednesday night.
The Pirates, who clinched a playoff spot on Tuesday night, began the night 1½ games behind St. Louis. Pittsburgh lost for only the fourth time in its last 19 games.
McCutchen had two hits, including a two-run homer in the fifth inning after Atlanta led 6-0.
Jeff Locke (7-6) allowed six runs and 13 baserunners – eight hits and five walks – in only four innings.
Justin Upton hit a two-run homer and pitcher Julio Teheran and Emilio Bonifacio each had two-run singles as Atlanta ended a five-game losing streak. Teheran (14-13) allowed six hits and two runs in five innings.