Jordy Mercer hits first home run of the season

With Jung Ho Kang in a funk (0 for his last 14) and struggling in the field, Jordy Mercer got the start at shortstop Tuesday night and was impactful at the plate, hitting his first home run of the season Tuesday night in the Pirates 7-4 win.

Mercer’s solo shot in the fifth inning pushed the Pirates lead to 6-4. Mercer was 2-4 in the game, his third multi-hit game over his last six starts.