MILWAUKEE (AP) – Junior Guerra limited Pittsburgh to four hits over 8 2/3 strong innings, Chris Carter hit a two-run home run and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pirates 3-1 on Friday night.
The Pirates managed Andrew McCutchen’s RBI groundout off Guerra (7-2), who departed with two on and two outs in the ninth. Jeremy Jeffress got Jung Ho Kang to ground out to third base on one pitch to record his 25th save in 26 chances.
Guerra’s scoreless streak was snapped at 20 innings. He struck out five and walked one. During one stretch, the 31-year-old rookie retired 12 straight Pirates.
Making just his second major league start, Pirates rookie Steven Brault (0-1) gave up three runs and seven hits over six innings.
Carter’s two-run home run in the first inning was his 23rd of the season and his first since July 8.
Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli had to be helped off the field in the eighth inning after a pitch from Juan Nicasio glanced off Scooter Gennett’s leg and hit him directly on the inside of his right foot.
Guerra has been a pleasant surprise for the Brewers since coming to the major leagues on May 3. He is 4-1 with a 1.47 ERA over his last seven starts.
Recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday, Brault kept Pittsburgh in the game. He stranded a pair of runners in scoring position in the second and fourth innings.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Pirates: RHP Ryan Vogelsong made his fourth rehab start Wednesday. He allowed two runs on five hits over seven innings. Vogelsong has been out since May 24 with facial fractures.
Brewers: LF Ryan Braun missed his second consecutive game Friday with right side tightness. Brewers manager Craig Counsell hopes to have Braun back Saturday. “Just a little bit tight; waiting for it to loosen up,” Braun said.
UP NEXT
Pirates: RHP Jameson Taillon (2-1, 3.60 ERA) will make his eighth career start and his second against Milwaukee. He allowed one run on five hits over six innings July 19 against the Brewers.
Brewers: RHP Chase Anderson (5-10, 5.40) will try for his first quality start since June 8 when he faces Pittsburgh. He snapped a four-game losing streak last time out by allowing two runs in five innings July 25 against Arizona.
