Pirates first team in MLB to 50 wins

PIRATES 2 – BREWERS 1

Win: Francisco Liriano (7-3)

Loss: Donovan Hand (0-1)

Save: Jason Grilli (27)

The Pittsburgh Pirates (50-30) are the first team in baseball to 50 wins. Pedro Alvarez (.247 – 20 HR – 53 RBI) and Garrett Jones (.260 – 7 HR – 32 RBI) both homered, and Francisco Liriano (7-3, 2.23 ERA) allowed one run over six innings, leading the Pirates to a 2-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers (32-47) on Saturday night in front of a fifth straight sellout crowd.

The Pirates extending their winning streak to eight games are now 20 games over .500 and it’s the first time since 1960 that the Pirates are the first team in Major League Baseball to 50 wins.

A controversial signing, Francisco Liriano continues to shine improving to 7-3 on the season. Liriano struck out 6 and walked 1 in the win.

Pedro Alvarez belted his 20th home run of the season with a solo shot in the second. His hitting streak is now at 12 games and Alvarez has his average up to .247.

Mark Melancon (0.92 ERA, 23 HLD) picked up his 23rd hold and Jason Grilli (1.77 ERA, 27 SV) earned his 27th save with a 1-2-3 ninth inning.