By John Perrotto, The Associated Press
PITTSBURGH — Andrew McCutchen continued his remarkable start to the season with another leadoff home run, helping the Pittsburgh Pirates edge out a 2-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night. McCutchen’s early blast marked his 12th career leadoff homer and his 100th long ball at PNC Park. It also made him the first Pirates player to hit a leadoff homer in back-to-back games since Adam Frazier accomplished the feat in 2019.
McCutchen’s impressive performance extended to his overall batting, as he has gone 5 for 8 in two games since manager Derek Shelton moved him to the top of the batting order. This move has significantly boosted his average from .173 to .233.
Bailey Falter turned in a strong outing, taking a shutout into the eighth inning. He allowed only three hits and struck out eight batters, despite issuing two walks. David Bednar closed out the game with a perfect ninth inning, securing his fourth save of the season in seven chances and completing a three-hitter.
The Pirates’ victory marked their second consecutive win in the four-game series, snapping a six-game losing streak. Conversely, the Brewers, who arrived on a four-game winning streak, will look to bounce back in the remaining contests.
McCutchen’s home run was the only blemish on the record of Tobias Myers, who allowed just one run in five innings. Myers, who was called up from Triple-A Nashville on Monday, struck out four and walked one.
In injury news, the Brewers’ Jakob Junis was back with the team after being struck in the neck during batting practice the previous night. Manager Pat Murphy reported that Junis, who is currently on the injured list with a right shoulder injury, was doing much better and being observed for a possible head injury.
The series continues on Wednesday night, with Bryse Wilson taking the mound for the Brewers and rookie Quinn Priester scheduled to pitch for the Pirates.
