PHILADELPHIA — A.J. Burnett looks like a different pitcher compared to the one who pitched in Philadelphia last season.

Burnett tossed seven strong innings against his former team, Andrew McCutchen homered and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Phillies 7-2 on Tuesday night for their fourth consecutive win.

Burnett (2-1) gave up two runs, one earned, and six hits while lowering his ERA to 1.60. The 38-year-old right-hander led the majors with 18 losses for the Phillies last year, and then declined a $12.75 million player option to pitch in Philadelphia this season.

“He’s throwing strikes,” Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle said. “No innings have gotten away from him. He mixes his pitches. And it’s become very effective. He’s worked hard to become a master craftsman.”

The return to Pittsburgh, where he played the 2012 and 2013 seasons, has worked out well so far. He has allowed two runs or fewer in all seven outings this season. And, unlike other games, he got plenty of run support this time.

Josh Harrison broke out of a 2-for-27 slump that landed him on the bench Monday, connecting for a three-run shot against Sean O’Sullivan (0-2) in the fourth.

Francisco Cervelli had a pair of doubles and Gregory Polanco had a two-run double for the Pirates, who have won five of six.