Major League Baseball

McCutchen homers, Pirates blank Brewers 5-0, end 4-game skid

Published Apr. 17, 2016 12:36 a.m. ET

foxsports

PITTSBURGH (AP) Andrew McCutchen hit his first home run of the season and Jon Niese combined with two relievers on a three-hitter as the Pittsburgh Pirates blanked the Milwaukee Brewers 5-0 on Saturday night to end their four-game losing streak.

McCutchen's solo shot off Taylor Jungmann in the fifth inning increased the Pirates' lead to 4-0 after they scored three runs in the fourth.

The drive to left field came in the star center fielder's 54th plate appearance. McCutchen was so happy that he stopped in front of dugout after rounding the bases, broke into a big smile and raised his hands skyward.

Niese (2-1) won his second straight start, giving up all three hits while walking three and striking out three in seven innings.

Jungmann (0-2) had his road woes continue as he allowed four runs and six hits in six innings.