Andrew McCutchen has made a habit of launching leadoff home runs lately, hitting his second consecutive long ball to start the game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night. Bailey Falter continued his impressive start to the season by delivering a masterful outing, pitching into the eighth inning for the first time in his career. Facing Tobias Myers, who was making his major league debut, McCutchen wasted no time, sending the first pitch over the fence for his 100th home run at PNC Park. The blast marked his fifth hit in the series’ first two games. Falter, who entered the game with a strong three-start streak, turned in one of his best performances, matching his previous career high with eight strikeouts. Over 61 of his 85 pitches went for strikes, leaving Milwaukee batters frustrated and holding them to just three hits. While Falter retired 11 consecutive Brewers batters entering the eighth, Gary Sánchez ended his outing with a towering solo home run to left. Nonetheless, David Bednar came in to secure the save and give the Pirates (13-11) a 2-1 victory. In the sixth inning, Connor Joe delivered a timely RBI single to provide a crucial insurance run. The Pirates traded infielder Sergio Alcántara to the Boston Red Sox for cash considerations, as the two teams prepare for the third game of their four-game series on Wednesday night at 6:40 ET. Quinn Priester will take the mound for the Pirates, while former Pittsburgh pitcher Bryse Wilson will start for the Brewers.
McCutchen, Falter Star as Pirates Edge Brewers 2-1
