The Pittsburgh Pirates (70-63) and starter James McDonald were battered on Sunday, losing 12-8 to the host Milwaukee Brewers (65-68). The Pirates were swept in the three-game weekend series, and have lost nine of their last 12 games.
McDonald lasted just 2.2 innings, allowing seven earned runs on six hits, including four home runs. McDonald only allowed two home runs in the first two months of the season. It was the shortest outing of McDonald's career as a starter.
The one positive from Sunday's loss was the awakening of the Pittsburgh bats after some recent sluggish performances. The Pirates had 13 hits in the game, including three home runs, and knocked Milwaukee starter Yovani Gallardo from the game in the fifth inning after he allowed 11 of those hits and seven earned runs.
Pittsburgh will attempt to right the ship when they return home to host the woeful Houston Astros on Monday at PNC Park.
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