The Spiral Continues: Bucs Swept 8-3

The Brewers struck with two outs in the first; Mike Moustakas banged a two-strike double and Keston Hiura homered to put Trevor Williams and the Bucs in a 2-0 hole. Drew Pomeranz tossed a 1-2-3 opener. Milwaukee added on with a leadoff triple by Ryan Braun and a sac fly in the second. It was three up, three down for the Bucs. It was two-out lightning again for the Crew in the third; with a runner on first, a double and single plated two more runs. After seven straight outs, Jake Stallings got the Bucs on the board with his third long ball. Willy walked, but a quick DP shut down any rally thoughts. In the fourth, the Brewers banged another two-out two-bagger, but this one stayed put. Junior Guerra took over; it's going to be an opener game for Milwaukee tonight. A walk and dropped ball put the Bucs in business with an out, but the register ended up "No Sale." Hiura homered again in the fifth to make it 6-1. Pablo led off with an infield rap; that was all the Bucco action.

Another nice night by Starling - photo Pittsburgh Pirates

Parker Markel had a rough start in the sixth; a walk, infield single, passed ball and single brought home two more runs. An out later, the Bucs threw a ball away, but Markie held the Crew off from further mayhem. Devin Williams gave up back-to-back knocks to Starling (a leg hit) and Joey O, again with no result. Michael Feliz worked the seventh, and he gave up a walk while the infield muffed another play, but still posted a zero. A walk and error put two more Buccos aboard with two gone, and B-Rey dug out a two-strike slider to single a run home. Jeremy Jeffress was waved in and Starling greeted him with another RBI rap before a liner to center ended the festivities. The eighth was quiet for both clubs, with Geoff Hartlieb on the hill for Pittsburgh. With the Bucs down 8-3, Felipe made a rare appearance (right inning, anyway) and struck out the side. Freddie Peralta fanned the first pair and finished out with a pop up to complete the sweep.

Move along, blog buddies; nothing to see here, especially if you're looking for pitching, hitting or defense.

Notes:

• Starling had two of the Bucs six hits.
• Tonight's announced attendance was 12,885 at the ballyard.
• In Felipe's last six outings, two have come with the spread less than three runs. The Pirates have been involved in six one-run games during that time; he's pitched in one of them.
• Keston Hiura has 13 HR; five are against Pittsburgh, and all at PNC Park.
• Jamo's elbow surgery should take place next week while Clay Holmes is continuing his rehab at Altoona.