MILWAUKEE -- The chance at a winning road trip was squandered with the Pirates’ 5-0 loss to the Brewers on Sunday afternoon at American Family Field, but it was still a successful series in Milwaukee.
The Bucs (16-12) took two games from the Brewers behind Paul Skenes’ gem and Konnor Griffin’s birthday bash in the opener, before clutch hitting from Bryan Reynolds and Nick Gonzales in extras sealed the win on Saturday.
Here are three takeaways from the three-game set at American Family Field:
Encouraging results despite dud in finale
The Pirates weren’t able to complete their first road sweep of the Brewers since 2016, but they did accomplish their first series win at American Family Field since July 2024 -- which a few players admitted Saturday night they didn’t even remember happening.
It’s a small step towards where the Pirates ultimately want to go, but it’s further proof things are headed in the right direction. Pittsburgh has won three straight series against NL Central opponents to begin the season for only the third time in franchise history (2014, 2018). Both of those squads finished the year with winning records, the former making the postseason and the latter grabbing the organization’s last winning mark (82-79).
With all five teams in the NL Central roaring out to what is becoming a historically great start, it’s telling that the Pirates haven’t had issues in that regard. The Bucs are 6-3 against the division to begin this season -- with all nine games played on the road.
With seven straight games against NL Central teams up next at PNC Park (four vs. Cardinals, three vs. Reds), the Pirates are attempting to prove they belong in the conversation as a real threat, not just a hot start. This stretch can solidify that.
“Going on the road against Texas and Milwaukee, never really satisfied with 3-3. And the way we played here, against the Brewers, to win a series here, we’ll definitely take that going home,” manager Don Kelly said. “Get back home in front of our fans, looking back to getting back to Pittsburgh and playing some good baseball against division opponents.”
Second time through lineup sinks Mlodzinski
Carmen Mlodzinski’s second extended stint in the rotation has hit a hurdle in his past two starts. The 27-year-old righty, who has been used in a variety of roles during his Bucs career, earned a spot in the rotation out of camp for the second straight season, but back-to-back career-high-tying outings of five runs allowed (four earned on Sunday) was a setback the Pirates wanted to avoid.
Mlodzinski went only 3 2/3 innings on Sunday, forcing Evan Sisk (1 1/3 IP), Cam Sanders (2 IP) and Justin Lawrence (1 IP) to pick up valuable innings during this 13-game stretch without an off-day.
“Lost us the game, so I think it was one of those days where I come in and I felt really good for the first three innings and then just spiraled, honestly,” Mlodzinski said. “Gave absolutely everything I had to try to get out of that [fourth] inning and just didn't.”
Monday’s scheduled starter, Braxton Ashcraft, was placed on the bereavement list prior to Saturday’s game, and Kelly announced postgame Sunday that lefty Mason Montgomery will get the start for a bullpen game. Righty Wilber Dotel is expected to pitch bulk. The hope is Ashcraft will be available to pitch Tuesday.
It won’t be in the highlight reel of the season, but the bullpen’s performance Sunday set up success on Monday.
“They did a real nice job and kept it right there,” Kelly said. “Gave us a chance.”
Can Pirates keep bouncing back?
Kelly emphasized how impressed he was with his club’s ability to overcome a tough game. After 28 games, the Pirates have yet to lose back-to-back games after starting the season 0-2. Sunday’s two-hit, 18-strikeout offensive performance was less than inspiring, but not letting that spiral is where Pittsburgh has been at its best this season.
The Bucs will get a chance to prove that back at home.
“We’ve been able to do that after tough days. We’ve been able to come back,” Kelly said. “When you talk about a road trip against two tough teams, with tough travel in the middle of it, we’re in the middle of a big stretch, they continue to work … Looking forward to bringing that same attitude out tomorrow at PNC.”