The Brewers stink

The Pirates just dropped two in a row to the Brew Crew at home. Not good. Oddly enough the pitchers were pretty good except one inning a piece. Not so odd the Pirates bats were dead.

Correia had a good run going until he was unable to get an out on a bunt. He was apparently supposed to go to third. One out later, three run homer.

Tonight, Malholm had trouble in the first. Diaz misplayed a catchable (but tough) sinking liner and it led to runs. Two in fact, and that was more than enough. The Pirates did not cross the plate until the bottom of the ninth. By then a Neil Walker throwing error had let more Brewer runs cross the plate. Malholm ended up with a quality start going 7 strong innings. Chris Synder played his first game and came up empty. Pearce started at third for the first time and gave one a ride, but it was caught on the run at the track.

The Pirate minor leagues went 2 and 2 on the night.
D'Arnaud did get a base hit and Lambo hit a double to finally show signs of life. Wilson was pretty good, but collapsed in the 6th giving up multiple homers. Indy lost.
West Virginia surprisingly lost too. This team has been amazing. Cain and Von Rosenburg have looked great as did Waldron and Dodson on the mound. And the first base problem looks like the solution is in West Virginia with Matt Curry and Justin Howard both knocking the ball around. Tonight, Dan Grovatt had a big day with a triple and a double. He is having a good season so far. I am liking that pick more and more. Sadly Rojas, Avilia, and Maggia have yet to show up at bat.
Bradenton had another great offensive night to make up for Miller's so-so night. Welker and Moreno struggled in the pen making a blow out look close. Jhonathon Ramos did have a clean 8th. Robbie Grossmann went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored. Aaron Baker went 2 for 3 with a walk and a homer. Good night for the High A squad.
Altoona had a great night with Aaron Thomson throwing scoreless innings. Marte got a hit as did Sanchez. But perhaps even better news is Jordy Mercer hit a homer. Mercer needs to show some improvement in his strike out rate, walk rate, and show his power is not gone after having a dip in that last year. The big blast is a good sign. Dubee and Krol pitched well in relief. A shut out victory is always reason to celebrate.