Pirates 6, Brewers 3
PITTSBURGH -- Chris Stewart had three hits and three RBIs and Charlie Morton pitched six strong inning as the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Brewers 6-3 on Friday night, ending their seven-game losing streak against Milwaukee.
Stewart's two-run single capped a three-run fourth inning and put the Pirates ahead for good, 3-2. The backup catcher, starting while Francisco Cervelli got a night off, added an RBI single in the sixth.
Stewart tied a career high with his third three-hit game of the season and fifth of his nine-year career.
Morton (9-7) snapped a three-start losing streak as the right-hander allowed two runs and three hits while walking two and striking out two.
Closer Mark Melancon pitched a perfect ninth for his 45th save in 47 opportunities.
The Pirates (84-56) entered the day 4 1/2 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central and 2 1/2 games ahead of the Chicago Cubs for the first NL wild card.
The Brewers (63-78) had been unbeaten against the Pirates since the All-Star break, sweeping two three-game series at Milwaukee and winning the opener of the four-game series Thursday night.
Brewers right-hander Jimmy Nelson (11-12) lost for the just the second time in six decisions against the Pirates this season, giving up four runs and four hits in five-plus innings with three walks and two strikeouts.
Brewers first baseman Adam Lind hit a two-run homer, his 19th home run of the season, in the first inning off Morton after third baseman Elian Herrera doubled to give Milwaukee an early lead.
Center fielder Logan Schafer had two hits for the Brewers.
The Pirates stretched their lead to 6-2 in the seventh when rookie third baseman Jung Ho Kang hit an RBI double and scored on a sacrifice fly by second baseman Neil Walker.
Hernan Perez had a pinch-RBI single in the eighth for the Brewers, who loaded the bases before left-hander Tony Watson got pinch-hitter Ryan Braun to hit an inning-ending groundout.
Shortstop Jordy Mercer drove in the Pirates' first run with an infield single in the fourth.
NOTES: Pirates LF Starling Marte was not in the starting lineup because of left shoulder discomfort. He left in the 10th inning of Thursday night's loss to the Brewers, two innings after being hit by a pitch from rookie RHP Corey Knebel. ... Pirates 3B Aramis Ramirez made the third start at first base of his 18-year career, all coming within the last four games, as 1B Pedro Alvarez was again benched. ... Brewers C Jonathan Lucroy missed his third straight game with a concussion. ... Brewers SS Jean Segura, CF Domingo Santana and RF Ryan Braun were all rested after a 13-inning win on Thursday night that came on the heels of a game Wednesday night at Miami and an early morning arrival in Pittsburgh. ... Milwaukee rookie RHP Zach Davies (1-0, 3.97 ERA) faces Pittsburgh LHP Jeff Locke (7-10 4.56) on Saturday night in the third game of the four-game series.