MLB: Pittsburgh 3, Atlanta 1

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Neil Walker bashed a two-run homer in the sixth inning Monday and the Pittsburgh Pirates went on to defeat the struggling Atlanta Braves 3-1.

Jose Tabata also drove in a run for Pittsburgh, which handed the first-place Braves their fourth loss in five games in the first of a three-game series at PNC Park.

Brian Burres (3-3) made an emergency start in place of Jeff Karstens and delivered six solid innings, allowing only one run on five hits, striking out three and issuing no walks in his first start since May 29.

Joel Hanrahan picked up his fourth save of the season with a scoreless ninth.

David Ross hit a sacrifice fly and Derrek Lee went 2-for-3 for the Braves, who were able to maintain a one-game lead over Philadelphia in the National League East despite the loss.

Atlanta starter Tommy Hanson (9-11) allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and a pair of walks in six innings.