The Pittsburgh Pirates struggles against the Milwaukee Brewers have been well documented over the years. In fact, it was just a week ago that Milwaukee swept Pittsburgh in a three-game series. Tonight, theses two teams would open a three-game series at PNC Park. It would turn out to be an offensive game, as the Brewers went on to win 12-8, with the two teams combining for 27 hits.
Willy Adames had a big night for Milwaukee as he counted for seven RBI to go with a 4-5 performance at the plate. Adames got things started with a two-run home run in the first inning. The Pirates answered in the second when Roberto Perez hit an RBI double to left. Adames struck again in the fifth with a two run double to left.
Pittsburgh was able to even the game at four with three runs in the fifth. The first came on a Ben Gamel double to left. That was followed up with a two RBI single to center by Kevin Newman. That tie was short lived, as the Brewers added six runs in the sixth. Tyrone Taylor drove in the first run with a triple to right center, and then came around to score on an Omar Narvaez single to right. Kolten Wong plated a run with a single to right. Adames struck with a three-run homer to complete the six run sixth.
The Pirates gained another run in the seventh when Michael Chavis hit a sac fly to center. That was followed by two runs in the eighth. Daniel Vogelbach hit a groundout that plated the recently called up Jack Suwinski. Ke’Bryan Hayes hit a sac fly to center to bring in the also recently called up Tucupita Marcano.
Milwaukee put up their final two runs of the night in the ninth. Christian Yelich scored on aChavis throwing error. That would be followed by Narvaez hitting an RBI single to left. A fielder’s choice by Perez in the bottom of the ninth would give Pittsburgh their eighth and final run of the night.
Rough night to be a pitcher on both sides. Mitch Keller worked 4.2 innings for the Pirates allowing four runs on five hits with two walks and one strikeout. Pittsburgh used four pitchers out of the bullpen and they combined to allow eight runs, six earned, on nine hits over 4.1 innings. Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff allowed four runs on seven hits with six strikeouts and two walks over four innings.
Bryan Reynolds and Cole Tucker were both placed on the COVID-19 injury list, which is why Suwinski and Marcano were called up from AA Altoona. These two teams will be back at it tomorrow night, as the Pirates look to finally take a game from their division rivals.
Record vs. Brewers: 0-4
Record vs. N.L. Central: 5-8
Record at Home: 4-3
Overall Record: 8-9
And…
As Always…
Let’s Go Bucs!
