Off Day & Brewers Series Game 1

Today the Pirates spend their off day enjoying their first series victory since taking 2 of 3 at home against Cincinnati July 18-20.  Their recent series against the Giants saw the Pirates return to the recipe of success that had them 7 games over .500 and in 1st place only 2 1/2 weeks ago.  In their 2 victories against the Giants the Pirates starters allowed 2 runs in 14 innings pitched and the bullpen didn't give up a run in 4 innings of work.  On top of the pitching's strong outings, the Pirates got timely hitting on Monday from Garrett Jones (4 for 5) and Ryan Ludwick (2 for 3, 2 RBI) as well as on Wednesday from Andrew McCutchen (1 for 1, 2 RBI, 4 R) and Ludwick again (3 for 4).  It is good to see both Jones and Ludwick starting to hit and hopefully they will be able to provide a spark behind McCutchen in the lineup until Tabata or Pressley return.

With the success of the Giants series now behind them, the Pirates will turn their focus to their upcoming 3 game series in Milwaukee.  The Pirates have struggled mightily at Miller Park over the last few years going 3-33 since 2007, which includes 0-3 this year.  The Pirates pitchers have a 6.61 ERA at Miller Park and have surrendered 59 home runs so in order to win any games against the Brewers the Pirates must pitch well and the first player put to the task will be Friday's starter Paul Maholm.

Friday's Matchup:

Paul Maholm (6-12, 3.54 ERA) vs. Zack Greinke (10-4, 4.21 ERA)

Paul Maholm takes the mound Friday at Milwaukee in his first start since giving up a season high 7 earned runs in 6 2/3 innings.  Maholm is 3-7 in his career against Milwaukee with a 4.41 ERA.  Surprisingly, Prince Fielder is a career .071 hitter against Maholm with 0 home runs and 3 RBI in 42 at bats.  However, the Brewers first baseman is hitting .407 with 2 home runs and 9 RBI during the month of August.  Hopefully the Pirates and Maholm can play well and possibly even win a game.  After their current 10 game losing streak, I would have to think that a 3-3 road trip against the Giants and Brewers would be considered wildly successful.  Let's Go Bucs!