Major League Baseball

Pirates spoil Snitker's debut as manager, top Braves 12-9

Published May. 18, 2016 12:51 a.m. ET

foxsports

PITTSBURGH (AP) 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.

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