ATLANTA -- Tucupita Marcano may currently call Pittsburgh home, but he plays for his hometown: Tucupita, Venezuela.

The 22-year-old rookie was named after the city where he was born. But more important, it’s also his father Raul's nickname.

The utility specialist has been a bright spot for the struggling Pirates, who suffered a sixth straight loss when they were defeated 5-3 by the Braves on Sunday afternoon at Truist Park. Marcano's first career three-hit game wasn't enough to avoid a four-game sweep.

The second baseman was 3-for-4 with two singles and a double in the loss. Since being called up from Double-A Altoona for the second time this season on May 27, he has reached base safely in 12 of his 13 starts. Entering the series finale, Marcano had a .326 on-base percentage from his callup date, which ranked eighth among all National League rookies (teammate Jack Suwinski ranks first with a .375 OBP in that span).

"He had good at-bats throughout the series," manager Derek Shelton said. "It’s like we talked about -- Tuca’s a baseball player. Today he had good swings and did a nice job at the top of the lineup."

Marcano has been a player to lean on during the Pirates' difficult stretch, but perhaps more important, he has also been someone to look up to for people back home.

"My family and I, we're very attached to my hometown," Marcano said. "There are people there that are constantly cheering for me. They're all watching the games. After the games, I love receiving pictures from them. They screenshot pictures that they take of my at-bats or just the game situations. They're constantly sending me messages showing me support, and to me, that's life-giving.

“Those are the things that just remind me, not only where I come from, but why I do what I do and where I'm heading. That's the significance of my hometown to me."

After being signed to a Minor League contract by the Padres as an amateur free agent on July 2, 2016, Marcano has had an adjustment to make, being traded to the East Coast and joining a new team. But he's had a travel buddy along for the ride.

Pittsburgh traded for Marcano and Suwinski -- as well as Michell Miliano -- on July 26, 2021, sending All-Star infielder Adam Frazier to San Diego.

"We traded a good player to get two players who we expect to be part of our future. Any time you do that, it’s a bonus," Shelton said. "It’s tough trading players, especially everyday players. But when you start to see the results on the guys on the back side, it’s a really good thing."

Though he is not considered a qualified player -- having appeared in 15 games so far -- Marcano leads the team with a slash line of .311/.367/.511 and holds the club's lone OPS above .800 (.878). Suwinski entered Sunday's game tied for the most home runs (8) among all rookies in the Majors with Jake Burger, Jeremy Peña and Julio Rodríguez. He's tied for the eighth-most blasts by a Pirates rookie before the All-Star break.

Aside from their production on the field, the pair has also formed an enduring bond off the field.

"He's not only my teammate, but he means a lot to me as a friend," Marcano said. "When we first came over [to Pittsburgh], I didn't get to play with him [because] they put us at different levels. However, this year, once we got to play [together], the first thing we did was give each other huge hugs.

“We came up together this year, and it's just been amazing. Just to see each other not only help the team win, but just to see each other reach our dreams and support each other through it."