Martin's 3-run homer sparks Pirates' come-from-behind victory over Brewers

PITTSBURGH - Russell Martin hit a three-run homer off Jonathan Broxton in the bottom of the eighth inning and the Pittsburgh Pirates inched closer to a playoff berth with a 4-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night.

Martin sent a Broxton fastball into the seats beyond the center field wall for his 11th home run of the season and easily his most important. Mark Melancon worked a perfect ninth for his 31st save as the Pirates moved 4 1/2 games in front of the Brewers for the second National League wild card spot with nine days left in the regular season.

John Holdzkom (1-0) earned the win in relief for his first major league victory. The Pirates have won a season-high five straight.

Rickie Weeks hit his seventh homer for the Brewers and Yovani Gallardo struck out 11 in seven strong innings, but it all came undone in the bottom of the eighth.