SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- Clint Barmes came through with a three-run homer in the seventh inning Friday that rallied Pittsburgh to a 3-1 victory over San Francisco.
The Pirates maintained a one-game lead over St. Louis at the top of the National League Central and moved within six victories of what would be their first winning season in 21 years.
San Francisco lost its third in a row.
The Giants held a 1-0 lead heading into the seventh, but Gaby Sanchez and Josh Harrison opened the inning with singles off starter Madison Bumgarner (11-8).
Neil Walker advanced the runners with a sacrifice and Barmes followed with his clutch home run on a 1-1 pitch.
Charlie Morton (5-3) survived 7 2/3 innings to get the win. He allowed seven hits and struck out three. Mark Melancon gave up a one-out, infield single in the ninth before locking up his ninth save.
