The Pittsburgh Pirates (81-70) overwhelmed the Boston Red Sox in a 9-1 rout, improving to a season high 11 games above .500.
Gregory Polanco, Neil Walker hit solo home runs and Ike Davis drilled a three-run homer as Pittsburgh put up all 9 runs through the first five innings and pounded out 15 hits in the victory.
Davis 3-run homer was his 10th of the season and the Pirates now have 9 players with 10 HR this season. It marks the 1st time in team history they’ve had that many players reach double figures in homers in a season.
  • 1. Andrew McCutchen – 23 home runs
  • 2. Neil Walker – 21 home runs
  • 3. Pedro Alvarez – 18 home runs
  • 4. Josh Harrison – 13 home runs
  • 5. Starling Marte – 12 home runs
  • 6. Jordy Mercer – 11 home runs
  • 7. Travis Snider – 11 home runs
  • 8. Russell Martin – 10 home runs
  • 9. Ike Davis – 10 home runs
With the win and a Brewers 2-0 loss to the Cardinals, the Pirates got some breathing room for the second wildcard spot, moving 2.5 games ahead of Milwaukee and the Pirates are 5.5 ahead of Atlanta.
ESPN lists the Pirates playoff chances at 89.4%.

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