PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates continued to struggle offensively in the midst of a critical stretch against first-place opponents as they lost to the Braves, 6-1, at PNC Park on Tuesday.
The defeat drops the Pirates below .500 at 63-64. Dating back to the fifth inning of Wednesday's 6-4 loss to the Twins, Pittsburgh has plated just six runs over its last 60 innings.
Right-hander Ivan Nova allowed a pair of runs while striking out four over six innings to record his 12th quality start of the season.