The Pirates scored nine runs in the first inning and still almost lost, but they held on to beat the Brewers 11-9 in one of the most exciting games of the year. The Bucs scored nine in the first with a grand slam by Pedro Alvarez and RBI doubles by Delwyn Young, Erik Kratz and Neil Walker. Alvarez then added a solo homer in the second inning.
Pirates starter Brad Lincoln struggled, though, and left in the third after allowing seven runs of his own. Ryan Braun homered in the sixth to bring the game within one, but the Pirates held on.
Bucs manager John Russell was ejected after arguing (in what appeared to be very colorful language) a foul ball call in the seventh. It was about as animated as he’s ever been on the job, and it was nice to see, even if I mostly think those sorts of things are overrated. Even though the Bucs let the Brewers back into the game, this was a lot of fun to watch, and it’s been exciting to see the Pirates’ offense come alive over the past few games.