The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 6-5 Sunday at PNC Park. Rookie outfielder Bryan Reynolds hit a three-run home run in the seventh inning for the win. He drove in four runs in the game. Adam Frazier had three hits and scored twice. Colin Moran and Kevin Newman joined Reynolds with two hits each.
The victory moved the Bucs to within 2-1/2 games of the first place Chicago Cubs heading into the All-Star break. The Pirates begin a three-game series in Chicago Friday. The Pirates are 44-45 overall.
Pirates first baseman Josh Bell will compete in the Home Run Derby tonight in Cleveland. Bell enters the All-Star break with 27 home runs and 84 RBI’s. The Derby begins at 8pm and will be televised on ESPN.
Milwaukee outfielder Christian Yelich, who currently leads the National League in home runs, has pulled out of the Home Run Derby due to a back issues.
Pirates closer Felipe Vazquez was added to the National League All-Star roster for Tuesday’s game. Vazquez is tied for fourth in the National League with 20 saves.
The Pirates had to recall Kevin Kramer from Triple-A Indianapolis for Sunday’s game. He was needed because outfielder Corey Dickerson had groin discomfort and was unavailable.
The MLB Futures game was played in Cleveland last night, and ended in a 2-2 eight-inning tie. Pirates prospect Will Craig, the first baseman for Triple-A Indianapolis, was hit by a pitch in both of his plate appearances.