Yelich homers to back Urena, secure sweep of Bucs

PITTSBURGH — From spot starter to staple in the rotation. That’s what the Marlins are asking of Jose Urena, and the right-hander came through with a composed six strong innings that set the tone in a 3-2 Miami win over the Pirates on Sunday at PNC Park.

Christian Yelich knocked a first-inning home run off Ryan Vogelsong, and the Marlins were able to complete a three-game sweep that puts them 1 1/2 games ahead of Pittsburgh in the National League Wild Card race. Miami remains 1 1/2 games behind the Cardinals for the second Wild Card spot.

In the sixth inning, the Marlins capitalized on a throwing error by shortstop Sean Rodriguez and scored twice. Martin Prado had an RBI groundout and Dee Gordon, who reached on a bunt single, scored on a wild pitch.

Vogelsong gave up three runs, but just one was earned. His wild pitch in the fifth inning allowed Gordon to race home as the go-ahead run.

The Pirates claimed a 2-1 lead in the fourth inning. Andrew McCutchen led off with a single and Gregory Polanco doubled high off the wall in right. McCutchen scored on David Freese’s grounder to third that was booted by Prado for his first of two errors in the inning, and Josh Bell added a sacrifice fly to left.

MOMENTS THAT MATTEREDUrena securing rotation spot: Miami’s rotation depth took a hit when Adam Conley went on the disabled list with a left-hand injury earlier this month. Urena was called up from Triple-A New Orleans to take over Conley’s spot, and the right-hander is showing signs that he can secure it. Urena has …

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