PITTSBURGH — Gregory Polanco made manager Clint Hurdle’s decision to move him into the cleanup spot for the first time in his career look like a good one.

Polanco hit a tiebreaking three-run homer and Chad Kuhl pitched six innings for the win after being called up from the minor leagues as the Pirates defeated the San Diego Padres 6-4 on Tuesday night.

Hurdle batted the third-year right fielder fourth for the first time in his career and Polanco’s three-run blast deep into the seats in right-center off Luis Perdomo was his 16th homer, put the Pirates ahead 5-2 and keyed a four-run sixth inning that included Francisco Cervelli’s RBI double.

“He’s been our most efficient guy with RBI percentage,” Hurdle said. “I like Polanco in the four to try something different. Our offense wasn’t producing like I feel we’re capable of producing.”

Polanco said his approach did not change with hitting cleanup.

“As always, when you have two strikes, if you see a pitch close to the plate, you have to swing,” Polanco said. “He left it right there, and I put a good swing on it.”

Kuhl (2-0) allowed two runs and five hits while striking out four and walking four. He made four starts with the Pirates earlier this season and was 6-3 with a 2.37 ERA in 16 starts for Indianapolis.

David Freese had three hits and scored three runs and Josh Harrison added two hits for the Pirates, who improved to 4-6 in a 12-game stretch against teams who are at least 10 games under .500.

Pittsburgh remained three games out of the second NL wild card.

Tony Watson pitched a scoreless ninth for his third save.