Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run homer, Jeff Karstens bounced back from his worst start of the season and the Pittsburgh Pirates won their first series in three weeks with a 9-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday.
The Pirates took two of three from the reigning World Series champions on the heels of a 10-game losing streak. Pittsburgh is off Thursday before opening a weekend series at NL Central-leading Milwaukee. The Brewers have won all five previous meetings.
McCutchen went 1 for 1 and scored four runs. He drew three walks and stole two bases.
Karstens (9-6) struck out a career-high nine, matching the most by a Pittsburgh pitcher this year. He was tagged for nine runs in a 15-5 loss at San Diego last Friday.
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