The Pittsburgh Pirates got their bats going in the series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday, but it wasn't enough. The Brewers rallied late to earn the victory, 9-7, and sweep the series.
Both starting pitchers had short, ineffective outings. The Pirates fell behind 4-0 early thanks in part to Milwaukee third baseman Aramis Ramirez' two-run homer in the first inning. Pittsburgh starter Wandy Rodriguez made it through four innings, surrendering four earned runs on five hits.
The Pirates responded quickly against Brewers starter Mike Fiers in the bottom of the third, when center fielder Andrew McCutchen blasted a three-run homer. Fiers lasted only three innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits.
Pittsburgh held a 7-4 lead in the eighth inning before a fierce Brewers rally that included RBIs from Ramirez, second baseman Rickie Weeks and right fielder Norichika Aoki gave them a one-run lead. They would tack another run on in the ninth, and closer John Axford struck out the side in the bottom of the frame to seal the 9-7 win.
With the loss, the Pirates fell to one game under .500 and 5½ games out of a National League Wild Card spot.
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