CLEVELAND, June 15 (UPI) -- Justin Masterson combined with two relievers on a five-hitter Friday that brought the Cleveland Indians a 2-0 decision over Pittsburgh.
Masterson (3-6) gave up four of the hits and struck out nine over seven innings in helping the Indians snap a three-game losing streak. They were swept by Cincinnati in those three losses while being outscored 24-9.
Pittsburgh has dropped four in a row after winning four straight.
Vinnie Pestano pitched the eighth for the Indians and Chris Perez worked around a one-out single in the ninth for his 21st save.
The Pirates' biggest threat came in the fourth when they loaded the bases with two away, but Masterson struck out Jose Tabata on three pitches to end the inning.
Carlos Santana doubled home Cleveland's first run in the third and Michael Brantley had an RBI single in the eighth. Brantley extended his hitting streak to 22 games.
James McDonald (5-3) took the loss, his first since May 11, even though he allowed only one run on three hits in six innings.
