The Pittsburgh Pirates (17-22) evened up their series against the Milwaukee Brewers tonight, winning 4-1 behind a solid performance from SP Francisco Liriano. Bryan Morris, Tony Watson, and Mark Melancon finished off the final three innings, with Melancon racking up save number five since taking over for injured closer Jason Grilli.
The Brewers (25-15) were unable to get anything going against Liriano until scoring the tying run on a Jeff Bianchi sacrifice fly in the bottom of the fifth inning. Liriano would finish his night after pitching six innings, giving up one run on four hits and striking out seven Brewers. Unfortunately, Liriano would still remain winless on the season as RP Tony Watson would vulture the W after the Bucs scored three runs in the top of the ninth off of Brewers closer Francisco Rodriguez. C Chris Stewart singled in Clint Barmes, followed by a Starling Marte double that scored Stewart and Jordy Mercer. Rodriguez (1-1) took the loss in a non-save situation.
The Pirates bullpen held the Brewers to just four baserunners through three scoreless innings after taking over for Liriano. 3B Pedro Alvarez added two hits, and 1B Ike Davis also had two, including a double. Starling Marte made his return from injury, pinch-hitting in the top of the eighth for RP Bryan Morris. His two-run double was the big blow to Milwaukee tonight, and it looks as if Marte is ready to reassume his position in the lineup once again starting tomorrow night.
Brewers starting pitcher Wily Peralta got the no decision after pitching five innings and giving up just one earned run on five hits. But tonight, it was the Bucs finally getting to Rodriguez, who has been virtually unhittable for the Pirates thus far in 2014. The Pirates evened up this series 1-1, and will go for their fourth-straight series win tomorrow afternoon at 1:10pm. Freshly off the 15-day DL, LHP Wandy Rodriguez (0-2, 7.65) will oppose RHP Yovani Gallardo (2-2, 2.92).
On the injury front, starting catcher Russell Martin took some batting practice prior to the game, and closer Jason Grilli threw a simulated game at Miller Park this afternoon and came away with good results. Grilli threw 24 pitches and felt comfortable, and may have pushed the timetable for his return up a tad. The Pirates still are unsure whether Grilli will need a rehab stint before being able to rejoin the Pirates before the end of May.
The game tonight was played with the roof closed at Miller Park, in front of 24,962 fans. The time of the game was three hours and one minute.
(Photo Credit: Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
