The Pirates scored two runs in the fourth inning and one more for insurance in the eighth on their way to a 3-1 win over the Cubs at PNC Park. Jeff Locke allowed one run on three hits over seven innings to improve to 10-and-5. Mark Melancon earned his 14th save. Jordy Mercer, Marlon Byrd and Pedro Alvarez drove in the runs for the Pirates, who have won four straight and are now tied once again with St. Louis atop the NL Central. Chris Rusin allowed two runs on four hits but dropped to 2-and-4. Starlin Castro drove in Chicago's only run.
