Falter's strong outing backed by three homers to clinch series

8:14 PM UTC

PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates clinched the series against the Mariners with a 7-2 win on Saturday at PNC Park behind three home runs and 's eight strikeouts.

Falter was coming off a rough start against the Dodgers his last time out where he allowed four runs over four innings, but he was able to toss 5 2/3 frames of two-run ball against Seattle by leaning on his four-seamer and slider. Although he allowed eight hits, few were hit hard and only one went for extra bases. He was also mostly able to navigate the traffic on base as Seattle finished 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position.

Falter matched a career high with eight strikeouts, which he had done three times previously.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa homered to spark his first three-hit game with the Pirates. Rowdy Tellez added on with a two-run homer in the fourth before Jared Triolo hit a solo blast in the seventh. Joey Bart and Tellez also got in on the fun in the seventh with RBI doubles.

The win moved the Pirates to 58-64 on the season and will give Pittsburgh a chance to secure the sweep on Sunday.