Pirates 4, Red Sox 0: Russell Martin belted a two-run homer and Charlie Morton worked five scoreless innings in his first start in a month as host Pittsburgh posted its ninth win in 11 games.

Starling Marte also went deep and Travis Snider added a run-scoring single for the Pirates, who climbed within 2 1/2 games of first-place St. Louis in the National League Central and remained 1 1/2 ahead of Milwaukee for the second wild-card spot. Morton (6-12), who hadn't pitched since Aug. 15 due to a sports hernia, allowed four hits and two walks while striking out six en route to ending his eight-start winless streak.

Xander Bogaerts extended his hitting streak to nine games by recording two hits for the Red Sox, who have lost six of nine. Anthony Ranaudo (3-3) suffered his third straight loss, surrendering three runs on four hits and three walks in 5 2/3 frames.

After being set down in order in the first inning, Pittsburgh struck early in the second as Neil Walker drew a leadoff walk and Martin followed with a blast to center field for his 10th homer of the season. The next two batters reached on a single and a walk, but Ranaudo avoided further damage by retiring three straight.

Boston had a runner in scoring position in four of the first five innings, but Morton was able to work his way out of trouble. Marte belted a two-out solo shot in the sixth, ending Ranaudo's night, and Snider delivered an RBI single with two down in the seventh to add insurance.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Morton's victory was his first since July 2 against Arizona. ... Bogaerts is 15-for-37 during his hitting streak. ... Boston OF Rusney Castillo, who signed a seven-year, $72.5 million contract in August, is slated to make his major-league debut Wednesday.