Milwaukee @ Pittsburgh preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 28, 2013 ) Milwaukee 1, Pittsburgh 7

The Pittsburgh Pirates try to avoid looking ahead when they host the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday in the rubber match of a three-game series. Pittsburgh has split the first two games of the set after recording a 7-1 triumph on Wednesday night. That victory pulled the Pirates within a half-game of St. Louis in the National League Central, with the Cardinals coming to town for three big games beginning Friday.

Newcomer Marlon Byrd struck a three-run homer for Pittsburgh on Wednesday in his first game since being acquired in a trade with the New York Mets. The blast capped off a much-needed win for the Pirates, who had lost three straight and 11 of 17 to fall behind St. Louis. The Brewers were deprived of a third consecutive win for the fourth time this month.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Yovani Gallardo (9-9, 4.61 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Gerrit Cole (6-6, 3.81)

Gallardo has allowed two earned runs in 12 1/3 innings over two starts - both against Cincinnati - since coming off the disabled list Aug. 17. He had given up nine earned runs in 8 1/3 frames in two starts prior to the DL stint. The 27-year-old is 10-4 with a 2.77 ERA in his career against Pittsburgh and owns a 2.18 mark in eight outings (seven starts) at PNC Park.

Cole has lost six of his last eight decisions after winning his first four starts. However, he has allowed three runs or less in 12 of his first 13 starts as a major leaguer, including a hard-luck loss at San Diego on Aug. 21, when Cole allowed two runs in six innings of a 2-1 setback. The 22-year-old rookie gave up three runs - all in the first inning - in six frames to defeat Milwaukee at home June 28.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pittsburgh is 10-5 in the season series. It is the first time since 2006 it has reached double digits in wins against Milwaukee.

2. C John Buck, acquired with Byrd in the trade with the Mets, did not play Wednesday.

3. The Brewers are 43-43 in the first two games of a series, but 15-31 in games 3 and 4.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Brewers 4