Pittsburgh 9, Minnesota 1

Pirates 9, Twins 1: James McDonald threw his first career complete game and the host Pirates belted three home runs to win the rubber contest of the three-game series.

McDonald (6-3) gave up one run on six hits with no walks and five strikeouts for the Pirates, who won their fourth straight home series.

McDonald recorded the Pirates’ first complete game of the season while throwing 120 pitches.

Andrew McCutchen went 3-for-4 and doubled in three runs in the second off Minnesota's Liam Hendriks (0-4), who gave up six runs (three earned) over five innings.

The Pirates had 12 hits, giving them 10 or more hits in six of their last nine games. They’re 17-2 this season when recording double-digit hits.

Ryan Doumit cut the Pirates’ lead to 4-1 in the fourth before Rod Barajas ended Hendriks’ outing with a two-run homer in the sixth.
 
The Pirates added three runs in the seventh on a two-run blast by Garrett Jones and a solo shot by Pedro Alvarez. 

Pittsburgh moved two games behind the idle Reds in the NL Central, while Minnesota has lost six of its last nine.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Twins C Joe Mauer missed his third straight game with a bruised right quadriceps. … Pittsburgh’s 14-4 home record since May 12 leads the majors.. …Minnesota 1B Justin Morneau stole his first base since 2007. … McCutchen came within a home run of hitting for the cycle. … The Twins dropped to 28-13 in interleague play since 2006.

• Pittsburgh will play their next game at home against Detroit. The Pirates have a W/L % of .429 after a win and .636 after a loss.
• Minnesota will play their next game on the road against Cincinnati. The Twins have a W/L % of .370 after a win and .415 after a loss.