Pirates shut down Braves again

PITTSBURGH — James McDonald followed one of the worst starts of his career with one of his best.

The Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander overpowered the Atlanta Braves for six innings on Saturday night and Gaby Sanchez capped a three-run sixth inning with a two-run homer in a 3-1 victory at PNC Park.

McDonald (2-2) had nine strikeouts and allowed only one run and two hits to hand the Braves (13-4), who have the best record in the major leagues, consecutive losses for the first time this season.

Five days earlier, McDonald was ripped for eight runs in 1 2/3 innings in a loss to St. Louis. That led to speculation that McDonald