Milwaukee @ Pittsburgh preview

Last Meeting ( May 15, 2013 ) Milwaukee 1, Pittsburgh 3

Even with the top two hitters in the National League in their lineup, things have not been easy for the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers play at Pittsburgh in Thursday’s series finale having lost nine of their past 11 games and they are 1-5 on their current 10-game road trip. The team struggles do not take away from the stellar first two months enjoyed by outfielder Carlos Gomez (the NL’s leading hitter at .365) and rookie shortstop Jean Segura (second at .349).

The Pirates find themselves with the fifth-best record in the NL thanks to winning five of their past six games and 17 of their past 27 contests. A big reason for Pittsburgh’s success is a stellar bullpen, anchored by closer Jason Grilli. The right-hander is 16-for-16 in save opportunities after a perfect ninth inning in Wednesday’s 3-1 victory.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Wisconsin (Milwaukee), Root Sports (Pittsburgh)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Hiram Burgos (1-1, 6.86 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Francisco Liriano (1-0, 1.69).

Burgos pitched well in his first three major-league starts, but was rocked for 11 hits and 10 earned runs in three innings Saturday against Cincinnati. His previous three starts were marked by good control (three walks, 10 strikeouts in 18 innings). Burgos has allowed four homers in his past 16 innings.

Liriano shined in his Pittsburgh debut Saturday, striking out nine and holding the New York Mets to one run on six hits in 5 1/3 strong innings. The outing – coming after two seasons marred by injuries and an offseason fractured forearm – give the Pirates hope they have bolstered their rotation with a pitcher who struck out 201 batters in 2010. Liriano is 4-2 in eight career appearances against the Brewers.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Pirates have won two in a row against Milwaukee, but the Brewers still are 24-14 at PNC Park dating to 2008.

2. Pittsburgh placed INF John McDonald on the disabled list with a lower back strain, promoting Jordy Mercer from Triple-A Indianapolis.

3. Milwaukee travels to St. Louis this weekend before opening an eight-game homestand against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Pirates and Minnesota Twins.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Brewers 3