The Atlanta Braves opened a three-game series at PNC Park on Monday night with a 12-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, snapping a three-game winning streak.
Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz went 4-for-5 with three RBIs and two runs scored, and Bryan Reynolds added a three-run homer in the fifth inning to break the game open.
Braves starter Hurston Waldrep (0-1) lasted just 3 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs on eight hits. He walked three and struck out two.
“They came out aggressive and we didn’t have an answer,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said. “We didn’t pitch well, and we didn’t catch the ball. It was a tough night.”
The Braves’ offense was limited to four runs on seven hits. Matt Olson drove in two with a double in the fourth, and Ozzie Albies added a solo homer in the seventh, his 14th of the season.
The loss drops Atlanta to 51-42 on the season, a half-game behind Philadelphia in the NL East. The two teams meet again Tuesday at 6:35 p.m. at PNC Park. RHP Max Fried (8-4, 3.32 ERA) gets the start for Atlanta against RHP Mitch Keller (8-8, 3.79) for Pittsburgh.