Alvarez socked a three-run homer -- his 26th of the season -- in Thursday's 5-4 win over the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Alvarez's bomb off reliever Jairo Diaz with two outs in the top of the eighth inning proved to be the difference for the Pirates, who need every win they can get in the final week-plus of action as they look to chase down the Cardinals for the NL Central crown. The first baseman has certainly been an integral part to the Pirates' continued success so far in September, providing five homers and 10 walks this month. Those represent his second-highest totals in both categories for any month this season.