Kubel homers twice, Diamondbacks defeat Pirates

PITTSBURGH – Jason Kubel homered twice, Joe Saunders pitched seven effective innings and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-3 on Thursday.

Both of Kubel's home runs immediately followed hits by Aaron Hill. Wil Nieves also hit a two-run homer in his Diamondbacks debut.

Saunders (6-8) retired 14 consecutive batters in the middle innings.

J.J. Putz pitched a perfect ninth for his 21st save of the season. He's converted 12 in a row.

Hill had three hits and Chris Johnson had two as Arizona completed a 6-4 road trip.