Milwaukee @ Pittsburgh preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 28, 2013 ) Milwaukee 3, Pittsburgh 10

The Pittsburgh Pirates have not been 19 games over .500 since 1992, the last year they had a winning season. Pittsburgh appears poised to end that drought this year, owning the best record in the major leagues and a seven-game winning streak as it enters the second of a three-game series against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday. The Pirates have not won eight games in a row since running off 10 straight victories in 2004.

Milwaukee had been doing an admirable job of cobbling together a patchwork rotation following injuries to starters Marco Estrada and Hiram Burgos. The stress of filling those slots appears to be catching up with the Brewers, who have allowed 32 runs in losing four of their last five games. The bullpen was taxed in Friday's series opener after Johnny Hellweg lasted only 1 2/3 innings in his major-league debut.

TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, FOX

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Donovan Hand (0-0, 2.37 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Francisco Liriano (6-3, 2.30)

Hand acquitted himself well in his first major-league start, holding Atlanta scoreless and giving up only two hits in 4 2/3 innings on June 22. He had been utilized strictly in relief to that point, so his pitch count was expected to be an issue. Hand faced Pittsburgh in his major-league debut last month and was touched for one run on three hits in two innings.

Liriano has received a decision in each of his nine starts, earning the win against the Los Angeles Angels last time out by permitting one run on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings. He has allowed fewer than two runs on six occasions, and the only two homers he surrendered came in the same game. Liriano has fared well against Milwaukee, posting a 5-2 career mark in nine appearances (eight starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates 3B Pedro Alvarez has hit safely in 11 straight games, matching his career high.

2. Brewers 2B Rickie Weeks is riding a career-best 12-game hitting streak.

3. Liriano is 3-1 with a 2.19 ERA in four home starts.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Brewers 2