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Despite a strong start by southpaw Dillon Peters, the Pirates were unable to take the series from the Milwaukee Brewers as they dropped Sunday’s series finale, 2-1.
Milwaukee got on the board in the first on an infield single by Eduardo Escobar, however it was a throwing error by Rodolfo Castro that allowed Willy Adames to cross home plate.
Christian Yelich doubled home Adames in the third to put the Brewers up by two.
Kevin Newman got the offense going in the bottom of the third with (another) double, his fifth in two days. Former Brewer Ben Gamel brought Newman in a few batters later on a play that was initially ruled an out, but was later overturned and ruled as a single after the Pirates challenged the call.
Four Pirates relievers - Kyle Keller, Duane Underwood Jr., Chris Stratton and David Bednar - allowed just one hit in 4.1 innings of combined relief.
Josh Hader shut the door in the ninth and earned his 23rd save of the season after sitting Castro down on strikes.
The Pirates fall to 42-76 with the loss, while Milwaukee still holds a commanding lead in the NL Central with a 72-47 record.
The Bucs travel to Los Angeles to start a three-game series with the Dodgers on Monday. Steven Brault will start for Pittsburgh, while the Dodgers have yet to name a starter.