ARLINGTON, Texas — Pittsburgh reliever Mark Melancon allowed multiple runs for the first time in 65 appearances this season.

Still, he appeared to get a little extra on the pitch that ended the game, saving the Pirates’ 5-4 victory over the slumping Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.

Melancon gave up four consecutive two-out singles, two of them producing runs, before striking out Adrian Beltre on three pitches with the potential tying run at third base.

“He got one of the best hitters in the game out to finish it off,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “Two outs, and nobody on base, and before you know it, you’ve got a game out there, you’ve got a nail-biter on your hands at the end. ... At the end of the day, he struck out the side, with a little action in between.”

Francisco Liriano pitched six innings for his career-high 16th victory and Andrew McCutchen had three RBI singles for the NL wild-card leaders.

A night after victory No. 82 ensured the Pirates’ first winning season since 1992, they got a series-clinching victory and stayed within a game of NL Central-leading St. Louis.

“We’re still hunting for more,” said Jordy Mercer, who had two doubles among his four hits. “We want to get more, as much as we can, that’s for sure.”

Melancon struck out two pinch-hitters to start the ninth. Singles by Ian Kinsler and Alex Rios produced runs before Beltre, a .318 hitter already with two hits and an RBI, took the first pitch before swinging at the next two.

“I threw three heaters. Just getting ahead,” Melancon said. “The second pitch, he fouled back, and the third pitch I don’t know if he was sitting breaking ball or not, but came back with another (fastball). ... I never really lost my composure or thought any negative thoughts.”

Even though it took 30 pitches to get his 13th save in 15 chances.

As for Beltre, Texas manager Ron Washington said, “We know what his track record is and what he’s capable of doing. He’s a guy who always rises to a challenge. I’m looking forward to him coming back.”

Pittsburgh scored three runs with four consecutive two-out hits in the fifth off rookie left-hander Martin Perez (9-4), who had won his previous six starts since the beginning of August.

The Rangers, who still need another victory for their fifth consecutive winning season, will lose their fourth series in a row no matter what happens in Wednesday’s finale.