Bucs Post A Dozen In Win Over Brewers

Dario Agrazal gave the Pirates another quality spot start and Kevin Newman and Colin Moran spotted him three RBI each in a 12-2 victory over the Brewers Saturday.

Agrazal (2-0), after waiting through a two and half hour rain delay before making his home debut, allowed a pair of home runs in six innings of work, both of the solo variety. Besides those long balls, he was able to work around five hits and two walks, partially because the Brewers could not take advantage of the pitches he left over the plate.

Missed opportunities or not, Agrazal shut down a first place team for the second time in his three big league starts. His other big league win came in Houston on June 26.

“It’s just my plan of maintaining focus, going up there prepared and trusting in my plan,” said Agrazal through translator Mike Gonzalez. “Recognizing that this is just another game, and so far, it’s working out for me.”

After Mike Moustakas put the Brewers on the board in the first, Moran, Corey Dickerson and Newman strung together two out RBI hits against Adrian Houser (2-3) to give the Bucs a 4-1 edge.

Newman went deep in the fifth inning for his sixth tater of the season- more than he has hit in any year, dating back to his minor league and even college days.

“Been in the weight room a little bit more this year,” said Newman. “Maybe that’s where it’s coming from.”

Newman and Moran both went 4-5, all singles with the exception of Newman’s jack.

Starling Marte provided some late insurance runs, tripling home two in the sixth before bringing home another on a base knock in the eighth. Melky Cabrera capped the scoring with a two run homer to make it an even dozen for the Pirates.

Michael Feliz, Richard Rodriguez and Montana DuRapau each tossed a scoreless frame to close the game.

Vazquez Gets All-Star Nod

After being one of the most notable snub’s for this year’s All-Star Game, Felipe Vazquez was one of two announced additions to the roster Saturday afternoon.

Arizona’s Zack Greinke is bowing out of the game for personal reasons and Brewers’ reliever Josh Hader will not attend. Vazquez will be joined by another Brewer pitcher: Brandon Woodruff.

“A little late, but I’ll take it,” said Vazquez.

Vazquez had to hold off on vacation plans this break because he did not know if he would get a late call. So instead of going to Seven Springs, his family convoy of four children and three adults are headed to Cleveland in a rented SUV.

“It’s going to be a little noisy in the car,” Vazquez joked.

Late Injuries

Both teams suffered late injuries Saturday, though the Pirates’ is far less severe. In the top of the seventh, left fielder Corey Dickerson was removed with right groin discomfort.

“I don’t think it’s anything too serious,” said Dickerson. “I’ll be back in the morning and see how it is.”

The other incident did look serious. On Moran’s final hit of the night in the eighth, Brewers’ shortstop Orlando Arcia collided with second baseman Keston Hiura as they both went for the ground ball. After both players were down for a bit, Hiura eventually walked off the field under his own power. Arcia left on the cart, though he was sitting up and communicating with trainers.

On Deck

Joe Musgrove (6-7, 4.13) and Chase Anderson (4-2) will close out the first half of the season in the rubber match Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m..

NUMB3RS

1. Rodriguez has gone 17.1 consecutive scoreless inning- the longest active streak in the majors.

2. The Pirates are 21-8 this year when they hit multiple home runs.

3. Bryan Reynolds went 1-2 with three walks Saturday. He has reached base safely in 11 of 12 games he has played against the Brewers. It is the first three walk game of his career.