The Pittsburgh Pirates (76-77) defeated the NL Central champion Milwaukee Brewers (95-58) 7-4 on Thursday, fueled by a five-run second inning and a decisive two-run homer from Henry Davis.
The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 7-4 on Thursday, September 17, at PNC Park. The victory allowed Pittsburgh to avoid a series sweep while handing the division-leading Brewers their first loss in recent memory. The game was decided by Pittsburgh’s explosive offensive output in the middle innings, specifically a five-run surge that overwhelmed Milwaukee’s pitching staff.
Pittsburgh Pirates Performance
For the Pirates (76-77), sitting third in the National League Central, this win was critical for maintaining late-season momentum. The team overcame significant roster limitations due to injuries to deliver a decisive performance against the league’s top seed. The narrative of the night centered on Pittsburgh’s ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities when it mattered most.
Konnor Griffin served as the catalyst for the Pirates’ offense. Griffin hit a two-run single that helped spark a pivotal five-run second inning. This early surge provided the buffer needed to withstand Milwaukee’s eventual comeback attempts. Later in the game, Henry Davis added significant firepower with a two-run home run. Davis’s homer effectively sealed the victory, ensuring that the Brewers could not recover after falling behind early. The combination of Griffin’s timely hitting and Davis’s power display highlighted the depth of Pittsburgh’s bats despite the absence of several key contributors.
The Pirates’ defense held firm under pressure, preventing the Brewers from erasing the deficit established in the second inning. By securing the 7-4 win, Pittsburgh preserved its standing in the competitive NL Central race and avoided the demoralizing effect of a sweep. The team will look to carry this energy into their next contest against the Kansas City Royals.
Milwaukee Brewers Performance
The Milwaukee Brewers (95-58), who had secured first place in the NL Central, struggled to contain Pittsburgh’s offense throughout the contest. Despite holding the best record in the division, Milwaukee failed to answer the Pirates’ five-run explosion in the second inning. The Brewers’ defense appeared unable to adjust to the speed and placement of Pittsburgh’s hits during the critical middle frames.
Milwaukee managed to score four runs but lacked the timely production necessary to overcome the early gap. The inability to generate consistent offense against Pittsburgh’s pitching allowed the visitors to maintain control of the game’s tempo. For a team with championship aspirations, dropping a series in this manner highlights vulnerabilities that must be addressed before the postseason.
Injuries continue to plague the Brewers’ roster as they close out the regular season. The team is navigating a significant absence list that includes long-term sidelined pitchers Brandon Woodruff, Quinn Priester, and Mitch Keller on the 60-Day IL. Additionally, Kirby Yates, Braxton Ashcraft, Isaac Mattson, Bryse Wilson, and Grant Anderson are unavailable on the 15-Day IL. Esmerlyn Valdez is on the 10-Day IL, and outfielder Garrett Mitchell is listed as day-to-day. These absences have forced Milwaukee to rely heavily on depth players, who struggled to match the production required to defeat a determined Pirates squad.
Turning Point
The decisive moment of the game occurred in the second inning. Pittsburgh assembled a five-run barrage that shifted the momentum entirely in their favor. Konnor Griffin’s two-run single was the engine of this drive, setting the stage for additional runs that put the Brewers in an immediate hole. This inning proved too much for Milwaukee to recover from, as the Brewers’ pitching staff could not regain composure or limit further damage in subsequent frames.
What It Means
This result carries distinct implications for both franchises as the MLB season enters its final stretch. For the Brewers, the loss serves as a reality check. While they have clinched the NL Central title, the performance against Pittsburgh suggests potential issues with bullpen management and defensive consistency that could impact playoff seeding. The Brewers must now shift focus immediately to their upcoming road trip against the Baltimore Orioles, a team seeking to climb the AL East standings.
For the Pirates, the win keeps their own postseason hopes alive. Sitting three games back in the wild card hunt or division race, every victory becomes increasingly valuable. Avoiding the sweep provides a morale boost and demonstrates that the team can compete with elite opponents despite injury setbacks. The Pirates will host the Kansas City Royals next, looking to build on this momentum.
- Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 7-4 on September 17, avoiding a series sweep.
- Konnor Griffin’s two-run single sparked a five-run second inning that defined the game’s outcome.
- Henry Davis added a two-run home run to secure the victory for Pittsburgh.
- The Brewers remain first in the NL Central at 95-58 but face challenges with numerous key injuries.
- The Pirates (76-77) stay in contention in the NL Central as they prepare to face the Kansas City Royals.
🎧 Listen daily to both teams
Beatline Sports covers every team, every day — new episodes each morning.