MLB: Pittsburgh 3, Washington 1

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PITTSBURGH, May 3 (UPI) -- Jordy Mercer put Pittsburgh in front to stay with a two-run homer in the fifth Friday, sending the Pirates to a 3-1 decision over Washington.

A.J. Burnett worked seven innings in what was Pittsburgh's second straight victory. Washington has lost four of its last six.

It was a 1-1 contest when Starling Marte reached on a two-out single in the fifth off Ross Detwiler (1-3). Mercer followed with a homer to left on a 2-0 pitch.

Andrew McCutchen also homered for the Pirates in the third to overcome an early 1-0 deficit. It was the 11th of his career against Washington.

Burnett (3-2) gave up five hits and struck out nine. He is unbeaten in his last five starts. Jason Grilli allowed a one-out single in the ninth on the way to his 12th save.