Pirates Edge Brewers 5-4 Using Five Relievers in Series Opener

The Pittsburgh Pirates secured a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in a closely contested game at American Family Field. Rookie right-handed pitcher Braxton Ashcraft made his first MLB start, delivering an impressive performance by allowing just one hit over three innings and striking out two. The Pirates took an early lead with key hits from Bryan Reynolds and Nick Gonzales, who went 5 for 5 with two doubles and two RBIs, setting a career high. The Pirates bullpen, featuring Hunter Stratton, Chase Shugart, Isaac Mattson, and David Bednar, successfully maintained the lead, with Shugart earning the win and Bednar recording his 11th save. Despite a strong outing from Brewers starter Chad Patrick, who set a career high in strikeouts, the Brewers were unable to overcome the Pirates’ early advantage and consistent offense. The game highlighted the Pirates’ effective bullpen strategy and offensive resilience, as they out-hit and outlasted the Brewers in the series opener.