Milwaukee @ Pittsburgh preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 29, 2013 ) Milwaukee 1, Pittsburgh 2

These are heady times to be a fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates - and it shows in the fact that PNC Park has had five consecutive sellouts for the first time in its history. The surging Pirates can run their winning streak to nine games when they go for a three-game sweep of the visiting Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday. Pittsburgh became the first team in the major leagues to reach 50 wins - a total it never had reached before July 1.

While the Pirates are 20 games over .500 for the first time since 1992 and sit atop the National League Central, Milwaukee is buried in the division cellar and has matched a season low by dropping 15 games under the break-even mark. The Brewers, who have scored 10 runs during a four-game losing streak, will send Kyle Lohse to the mound Sunday in an attempt to end the skid. Lohse has compiled a 9-2 record and 3.41 career ERA against the Pirates.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), ROOT Sports (Pittsburgh)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Kyle Lohse (3-6, 3.69 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Charlie Morton (1-1, 2.81)

Lohse stretched his unbeaten streak to five starts by defeating the Chicago Cubs last time out, giving up three runs on eight hits in seven innings. He is 2-0 and has permitted a total of 10 runs in five outings since surrendering four homers in an 8-6 loss at Minnesota on May 30. Lohse is 1-4 with a 3.61 ERA in eight road starts, including a no-decision at Pittsburgh in which he gave up two runs in 5 2/3 frames.

Morton has made three starts since returning from Tommy John surgery, and his lack of sharpness showed in his last outing as he walked five and gave up six runs (three earned) in 5 2/3 innings. It was the longest start for Morton, who blanked Cincinnati on three hits over 5 1/3 frames in his previous turn. Morton has been tormented by Milwaukee, going 0-4 with a 6.67 ERA in six career starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates 3B Pedro Alvarez has a career-best 12-game hitting streak and 20 homers - one off the NL lead.

2. Brewers reliever John Axford notched his 21st consecutive scoreless outing Saturday.

3. Pirates 2B Neil Walker is 8-for-21 with three doubles and five RBIs against Lohse.

PREDICTION: Brewers 5, Pirates 3