Konnor Griffin’s 2-run double highlights a 5-run second inning as Pirates hold off Brewers 7-4
PITTSBURGH (AP) —
Konnor Griffin hit a two-run single to key a five-run second inning and Henry Davis tacked on a two-run homer to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates over the NL Central champion Milwaukee Brewers 7-4 on Thursday.
Milwaukee, a major league-best 95-58, leads the Los Angeles Dodgers by two games for the top NL seed and holds the tiebreaker.
Pittsburgh (76-77) is closing in on missing the playoffs for the 11th consecutive season. Since 1992, the Pirates’ only postseason appearances were from 2013-15.
Griffin’s opposite-field liner to left to put the Pirates ahead 2-1. Oneil Cruz followed with a two-run single and Brandon Lowe was hit by a Kyle Harrison pitch with the bases loaded.
Bo Naylor hit into a run-scoring forceout in the sixth and had a solo homer in the eighth off Luke Weaver that followed Sal Frelick’s sacrifice fly.
Davis homered in the eighth against Andy Ashby.
Looking for more news in your area | Subscribe to the WTAE YouTube Channel
Mason Montgomery got four outs for his 14th save in 16 chances, extending his scoreless innings streak to 21 2/3 innings.
Harrison (10-5) allowed five runs – four earned – in 1 2/3 innings and in his last four outings has given up 24 runs over nine innings.
Khristian Curtis (2-0) gave up one run in 3 1/3 innings.
Brewers center fielder Garrett Mitchell was not in the lineup for a second straight game because of stiffness in the left side of his neck. He doubled as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning.
Up next
Brewers: RHP Dustin May (7-9. 4.49 ERA) starts Friday night in the opener of a three-game series at Baltimore.
Pirates RHP Paul Skenes (10-11, 3.78), 1-3 in his last nine starts, faces visiting Kansas City and RHP Randy Dobnak (3-4, 2.73 ERA) on Friday night.
Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.