PHILADELPHIA, June 27 (UPI) -- Michael McKenry hit the first of three Pittsburgh homers Wednesday and the Pirates built a six-run cushion before fighting off Philadelphia 11-7.
McKenry's three-run blast in the second gave the Pirates a 3-2 lead and he added an RBI single during a three-run fifth.
The early outburst gave Pittsburgh an 8-2 cushion, but Philadelphia's Hunter Pence drove in a run in both the sixth and seventh innings while the Phillies were rallying to within one.
Pittsburgh expanded its lead in the eighth on a run-scoring double by Drew Sutton and a two-run blast by Andrew McCutchen. The Pirates snapped a three-game losing streak.
The outcome spoiled the return of Philadelphia second baseman Chase Utley, who made his first appearance of the season after struggling with knee problems. He hit a homer in his first trip to the plate and eventually went 3-for-5.
Starter James McDonald (7-3) picked up the win despite giving up four runs on six hits in 5 2/3 innings.
Philadelphia did not have a regular starting pitcher available due to a recent doubleheader and the Phillies used six relievers in the game. Raul Valdes (2-1) gave up three runs on two hits in two innings to take the loss.
