CHRISTOPHER PANSINO – OVATHLETICS.COM
The Pirates came up short in their 4-3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers last night. Despite keeping it close the entire game the Pirates just were not able to overtake them in the end.
The Pirates got off to another great start scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Andrew McCutchen and Garrett Jones would both reach base on a pair of singles and Steve Pearce would knock them home with a triple. Pearce would be score as well one batter later on an Andy LaRoche double.
But the bats would go cold after that, as the Pirates hade five hits in the first inning and only two the rest of the game. The closest the Pirates got to score another run came in the fifth inning where the Pirates put a Lasting Milledge on second with no outs. However, he would not score as he was caught in a rundown between second and third one batter later.
Pirates staring pitcher Paul Maholm did not help the situation giving up four runs in his seven innings on the mound. Maholm struck out seven, but would give up the four hits and three walks needed to score the game winning runs. Maholm was charged with the loss bringing his record for the season to 3-4.
Home plate umpire John Hirschbeck was stuck in the head by a pitch during warm-ups in-between the top and bottom of the first. BrewerÕs starter Narveson lost control of what appeared to be a high fastball and the ball struck Hirschbeck in the front part of his mask. The umpire had to leave the game in the second inning with dizziness and the game went on with just three umpires.
The Pirates spilt the short series with the Brewers and will continue their home stand with the Atlanta Braves starting Friday evening. The Pirates are now 18-23 on the season.
