PITTSBURGH -- Ivan Nova dominated his former team, keeping the bats of the New York Yankees off balance for seven innings in a 2-1 Pittsburgh Pirates' win Sunday afternoon.

Nova (2-2) played parts of seven seasons for the Yankees from 2010 to 2016, but has been a more dynamic pitcher since being traded to the Pirates last August. In his seven-plus innings, he allowed just four hits and one run to lower his ERA to 2.00 on the season. He struck out seven.

The Pirates' offense did just enough to get Nova the win, despite plenty of chances. In the first inning, the Pirates had the bases loaded with no outs, but came away with just one run on a sacrifice fly by David Freese. Gregory Polanco added an RBI double in the third inning to provide the margin of victory and snap an 0 for 15 streak at the plate.

The only damage against Nova came courtesy of a solo home run to right field by Jacoby Ellsbury in the seventh inning. It was the second home run of the season for Ellsbury and the second allowed by Nova.

Rookie Jordan Montgomery (1-1) took his first major league loss. He allowed two runs on seven hits in six innings while striking out five.

Daniel Hudson and Tony Watson each pitched a perfect inning in relief of Nova, with Watson recording his sixth save in six opportunities.

NOTES: Yankees C Gary Sanchez is throwing 90 feet regularly and is hitting off a tee. He's expected to start hitting in the cage soon. ... SS Didi Gregorious played six innings with Class A Tampa on Saturday. He went 1 for 3 as a designated hitter Sunday. Manager Joe Girardi said that when Gregorious returns, he'll be the starting shortstop, with Ronald Torreyes spelling Gregorious and Starlin Castro at second base. ... 1B Greg Bird finished the series 0 for 11 and is on an 0 for 14 streak overall. ... Pirates LHP Antonio Bastardo is dealing with a decrease in velocity and a lack of feel for his fastball that has resulted 11 earned runs in 5 1/3 innings this season. General manager Neal Huntington said the team is working on mechanical adjustments. ... RHP Ivan Nova walked his first batter of the season while making his fourth start. New York Mets RHP Noah Syndergaard is the only player to make four starts this season without a walk.