Milwaukee @ Pittsburgh preview

Last Meeting ( May 13, 2013 ) Milwaukee 5, Pittsburgh 1

After missing the series opener with a stiff neck, Ryan Braun is expected back in the lineup on Tuesday when the Milwaukee Brewers vie for their second straight win over the host Pittsburgh Pirates. The Brewers didn’t miss their All-Star left fielder on Monday, when they snapped a four-game losing streak with a 5-1 victory. The win was just the second in 11 games for Milwaukee, which continued to dominate its division rival. Milwaukee is 72-25 against the Pirates since 2007.

With second baseman Neil Walker coming off the disabled list, the Pirates optioned infielder Jordy Mercer to Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday. The 26-year-old Mercer made a positive impression filling in for Walker, who suffered a lacerated finger on April 26. Mercer hit .258 with three home runs in 31 at-bats over nine games. “He added value for us - and for himself - while he was here,” manager Clint Hurdle told reporters. “He played very well.”

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), ROOT (Pittsburgh)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Kyle Lohse (1-4, 3.53 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Jeff Locke (3-1, 2.95)

Lohse is starting with an extra day of rest after the Brewers rearranged their rotation to give Marco Estrada some extra work on the side. Lohse has lost three straight starts, including on Wednesday against the Rangers when he allowed four runs over 6 1/3 innings. He’s suffered from a lack of run support, with the Brewers scoring 14 runs in his seven starts. Lohse has gone 4-0 with a 3.00 ERA over his last five starts against Pittsburgh, including 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in two outings last season.

Locke has been a pleasant surprise while winning each of his last three decisions. He received a no-decision against the New York Mets on Thursday, when he allowed one run on three hits over six frames. The 25-year-old lefty has a troubling 22-to-19 strikeout-to-walk ratio, but he’s worked at least six innings in three of his last four starts. Locke allowed home runs to Corey Hart, Jonathan Lucroy and Carlos Gomez in his only career start against the Brewers on Sept. 28, 2011, taking the loss after giving up five runs in four innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Milwaukee 2B Rickie Weeks, who was held out of the starting lineup for the first time this season on Monday, struck out as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning. He is batting .181.

2. The Pirates are 16-0 when leading after seven innings.

3. The Brewers recorded a season-high six stolen bases on Monday and lead the National League with 35.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Brewers 4