Pittsburgh Pirates’ series takeaways vs. Milwaukee Brewers

Jul 17, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Neil Walker (18) hits a single in the fourth inning during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Game Two: Vance Worley (3-4, 3.38 ERA) vs. Jimmy Nelson (6-9, 4.21 ERA)

Result: Pirates lose 8-5

Winning Pitcher: Jimmy Nelson (7-9, 4.29 ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Vance Worley (3-5, 3.71 ERA)

Save: Francisco Rodriguez (21, 1.32 ERA)

• What went right:
  • The Pirates struck first with a three-run first inning.
  • Gregory Polanco continued to show improvement at the plate, going 2-5 with two runs scored.
  • Starling Marte went 2-4 with an RBI.
  • Andrew McCutchen reached base four times. He went 1-2 with three walks and two runs scored.

• What went wrong:
  • Francisco Liriano was scratched with neck soreness before the game.
  • Vance Worley did not pitch well covering for Francisco Liriano, going four innings, allowing five runs on seven hits.
  • The Brewers scored in every inning after the first.
  • Deolis Guerra did not pitch very well in relief, going two innings, allowing two runs on four hits and walking two.

The Pirates lost the series by playing an obscenely sloppy game outside of the first inning. They looked to avoid the sweep in game three.

Next: Jeff Locke vs Taylor Jungmann