PITTSBURGH, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- James McDonald threw six shutout innings in his Pittsburgh debut Thursday, carrying the Pirates to a 5-1 victory over Colorado.
McDonald (1-1) was acquired last weekend in a deal that sent reliever Octavio Dotel to the Los Angeles Dodgers. In his fifth appearance and second start of the season, McDonald struck out eight and allowed only four hits.
Four Pittsburgh relievers combined to give up a run on three hits over the final three innings.
Garrett Jones put Pittsburgh in front with a solo homer in the second and Ronny Cedeno added a two-run shot later in the inning. The Pirates built a 5-0 lead before the Rockies managed their lone run in the eighth on an RBI infield single by Troy Tulowitzki.
Jeff Francis (4-4) surrendered five runs on nine hits in 5 2/3 innings to take the loss. Colorado had won five of its prior six outings.
