Pirates fall behind early, lose 10-4 to slugging Brewers

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The first-place Pittsburgh Pirates (yes it’s only April but it’s still great to say) traveled to Milwaukee to take on the Brewers. For whatever reason MIller Park has been a house of horrors for the Bucs in years past.

That tradition continued Monday night as the Brewers scored early and often, defeating the Pirates 10-4.

Wandy Rodriguez walked four batters in the first innings, helping the Brewers to a five-run inning. The big hit in the first inning came off the bat of  Jean Segura, a two-run home run, his second of the year. Nine men would come to the plate in the first inning and the Brewers lead 5-1 heading for the second.

Apr 29, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Garrett Jones (46) hits a home run during the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Gaby Sanchez would continue his hot hitting when he doubled in the third inning to bring home Garrett Jones, cutting the lead to 5-2.

If the Pirates had any hopes of coming back the Brewers crushed those hopes with back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning. The homers came off the bats of starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo, his second of the year, and Norichika Aoki, his third.

Rodriguez lasted only 3 2/3 innings, allowing seven earned runs.

Going back-to-back was so good in the fourth that the Brewers decided to do it again in the fifth inning. This time it was Carlos Gomez and Yuniesky Betancourt hitting their fourth and fifth homers (respectively) of the year, making it a 9-2 Brewers lead.

The Brewers added another run in the seventh on a Betancourt single.

The Pirates were able to add two more runs when Jones hit his third home run of the year in the eighth.Gallardo would improve his career record to 10-2 versus the Pirates. He went seven innings, giving up one earned run and striking out five batters.

The Pirates will look to get back on the winning track when they send James McDonald to the mound tomorrow night.