Atlanta: Matt Adams’ first home run with the Braves came down near the right-field restaurant that had been the landing spot for a few of Freddie Freeman’s long balls this season.
Adams was quick to say he’s not staking any claim to Freeman’s territory — in the stands or on the field.
The newcomer hit a two-run shot in his second start since being traded to Atlanta, Ender Inciarte had a career-high five hits and the Braves beat Gerrit Cole and the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-2 on Monday night.
“I think that’s Freddie’s spot,” Adams said of his homer. “I think I’ll leave that to him.”
Brandon Phillips added his 200th career homer for the Braves, who have won eight of 11.
Adams was acquired from St. Louis on Saturday as a fill-in for Freeman, expected to miss about 10 weeks with a broken left wrist. Freeman’s 14 homers before his injury were tied for most in the majors, making him a difficult act to follow.
“I feel good,” Adams said. “I’ve just got to continue trying to be myself and not try to do too much.”
Adams had two hits, including his fifth-inning homer high into the right-field seats for a 5-1 lead.
David Freese and Pirates manager Clint Hurdle were ejected by plate umpire Phil Cuzzi in the fourth. Freese didn’t like a called third strike by Cuzzi and, with John Jaso at the plate, was still yelling at the umpire from the bench when he was ejected. Hurdle then charged out of the dugout and was quickly tossed.
Freese said he thought he was ejected too quickly.
Mike Foltynewicz (3-4) allowed two runs, one earned, in five-plus innings to win his third straight start. Jim Johnson pitched the ninth for his ninth save.
Cole (2-5) gave up five runs and 10 hits in 4 2/3 innings. He had lasted at least six innings in eight straight starts and allowed no more than two earned runs in six consecutive starts.
Light rain began to fall in the fourth and continued the remainder of the game.
Andrew McCutchen hit into a double play in the fifth and was 0 for 4, dropping his batting average to .206.
