Pittsburgh @ Milwaukee preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 2, 2013 ) Pittsburgh 5, Milwaukee 2

The Pittsburgh Pirates have a chance to secure at least a .500 season for the first time since 1992 when they continue a three-game series Tuesday at Milwaukee. Pittsburgh recorded its 80th victory in Monday's series opener, putting it on the verge of ending the longest run of losing seasons in North American professional sports history. To get win No. 81 on Tuesday, the Pirates need to solve Yovani Gallardo, who has been dominant since coming off the disabled list last month.

Pittsburgh knows all about Gallardo's resurgence, having lost a 4-0 decision to the Brewers right-hander Thursday at home. The Pirates have rebounded to go 3-1 since that loss to regain first place in the National League Central by one game over the St. Louis Cardinals. After the series in Milwaukee, the Pirates travel to St. Louis for three more.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Gerrit Cole (6-7, 3.80 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Yovani Gallardo (10-9, 4.39)

Cole was the tough-luck loser opposite Gallardo his last time out, allowing three earned runs in 7 1/3 innings. That was the seventh loss in the last nine decisions for the rookie, who has allowed three or fewer earned runs in 13 of his 14 starts. Cole has also gone 10 straight outings allowing two walks or fewer.

Gallardo has allowed two earned runs in 19 1/3 innings in three starts since his return from the DL on Aug. 17. His dominant outing last time out was Gallardo's sixth start in the last 13 in which he has thrown six or more innings while not allowing an earned run. The 27-year-old is 11-4 with a 2.59 ERA in his career versus the Pirates.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates OF Jose Tabata is 7-for-13 over his last three games.

2. Brewers CF Carlos Gomez sat out Monday's game with a sore knee.

3. Pittsburgh RHP Jason Grilli struck out three in a scoreless inning for Double-A Altoona on Monday. He is scheduled to make at least one more rehab outing but reportedly might not be the closer again when he returns to the Pirates.

PREDICTION: Brewers 5, Pirates 4