MLB: Pittsburgh 9, Florida 2

MIAMI, April 6 (UPI) -- Ian Snell gave up two runs -- one earned -- in six innings Sunday, holding Florida's offense in check while the Pittsburgh Pirates belted the Marlins 9-2.

In his best major league start in eight seasons, the right-hander surrendered just four hits and did not walk a batter. His 10 strikeouts were one shy of a career record.

Nate McLouth went 3-for-5 with two doubles, two RBI and three runs scored. Chris Gomez went 3-for-4 with an RBI.

Xavier Nady hit a two-run homer in the eighth and a run scored on a passed ball against Paul Hoover in the seventh. Jorge Cantu had two hits while Luis Rivas added three hits, two run and one RBI.

Pittsburgh salvaged a win after losing the first two games of the series.

Florida got one run on Alfredo Amezaga's RBI single in the fifth and a run scored on a fielding error by Rivas in the sixth.

The losing pitcher was starter Rick VandenHurk (0-1).