Scruggs’ HR backs Phelps’ gem as Marlins win set

PITTSBURGH — No matter the role, reliever or starter, David Phelps has delivered. The right-hander stepped up yet again on Saturday night, striking out nine and allowing just two hits in the Marlins’ 3-1 win over the Pirates at PNC Park.

Backed by Xavier Scruggs’ two-run homer, the first blast of his career, the Marlins claimed the first two games of the series and moved to within 1 1/2 games of the Cardinals — and a half-game ahead of the Bucs — in the chase for the second National League Wild Card spot.

“I’m happy to be able to help this team. I’m happy to be able to contribute,” Scruggs said. “They’re already doing what they need to be doing. Just happy to be here with a winning team and help out.”

Josh Harrison had three of the Pirates’ four hits, including a two-out RBI single off Kyle Barraclough in the eighth inning to make it a two-run game. But Fernando Rodney shut down Pittsburgh’s thoughts of a rally with a perfect ninth inning for his 23rd save, and sixth as a Marlin.

By taking the first two in Pittsburgh, the Marlins are 3-3 on their road trip that started with dropping three of four at Cincinnati.

“Things change quickly,” Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. “We come out of Cincinnati and everybody is not feeling great. You guys are asking me questions, are we fading, or whatever. Two days later, you feel like you’ve got a good club here and you’ve got a chance to do some things.”

Pirates right-hander Chad Kuhl had an interesting outing because he didn’t walk or strike out a batter in six innings. He allowed three runs — two earned. But the night belonged to Phelps, who now has a 1.31 ERA in his four starts since joining the rotation.

MOMENTS THAT MATTEREDPhelps’ standout start: Since making the move from the back end of the bullpen, Phelps has become one of Miami’s most impressive starters. He matched his career high with nine strikeouts vs. the Pirates, and he was able to keep them off the board despite being tested in the fifth and sixth innings. After he walked two with two outs in the fifth, the righty retired Jordy Mercer on a flyout to right. And in the sixth inning, Harrison doubled, but Phelps fanned Andrew McCutchen with a 90.6-mph cutter.

“To give us six there, and obviously the zeros have been great, and the way he’s pitched has …

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