Simmons lifts Braves past Pirates in 10th, 5-4

ATLANTA — Andrelton Simmons hit a game-ending double off Mark Melancon in the 10th inning, lifting the Atlanta Braves to a 5-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night.

Melancon (1-1) walked Dan Uggla to open the 10th. B.J. Upton struck out after fouling off an attempted sacrifice bunt. Melancon then hit pinch-hitter Reed Johnson with a pitch, bringing Simmons to the plate.

Simmons, who had three hits and a walk, sent a long fly ball to the gap in right-center. Uggla jogged calmly around third base with the winning run before the Braves raced to celebrate with Simmons near second base.

Anthony Vavaro (3-0) pitched a perfect 10th. Four Braves relievers combined to allow one hit in four scoreless innings in the Braves’ fourth straight win.

Upton hit a two-run homer for Atlanta. Pittsburgh’s Gaby Sanchez and Pedro Alvarez also connected.