PITTSBURGH – Gregory Polanco doubled three times and the Pittsburgh Pirates ruined Brian Snitker’s debut as interim manager of the Atlanta Braves with a 12-9 victory Tuesday night.
John Jaso, Andrew McCutchen and Francisco Cervelli had three hits each for the Pirates, who led by nine runs early then held on after an extended rally by the Braves. Juan Nicasio (4-3) survived five innings to pick up the win thanks in large part to Pittsburgh’s season-high 21 hits. Mark Melancon worked the ninth for his 13th save.
Mallex Smith hit two homers for the Braves, playing hours after manager Fredi Gonzalez was fired after five-plus seasons with Atlanta languishing in last place in the NL East. Rookie Aaron Blair (0-3) failed to make it out of the second inning as the Braves fell to a major-league worst 9-29.
Atlanta general manager John Coppolella refused to blame Gonzalez for the team’s current state but stressed the need for a fresh voice. Enter Snitker, a lifer in the organization whose nomadic journey over the last four decades has included five different stints managing one of the club’s minor league affiliates.
Thrust into a 125-game tryout for the permanent gig, Snitker told the Braves – several of whom he coached on their way to the majors – that he would need time to get a feel for things.