Pirates manage 16 hits and score 15 runs in rout of first place Brewers

Win: Brandon Cumpton (1-2)

Loss: Kyle Lohse (7-2)

AROUND THE BASES

The Pirates (29-31) used an 8-run sixth inning to put a thumping on the first place Brewers (36-26), 15-5 on Friday night in front of 35,544 at PNC Park.

The Pirates managed 16 hits and scored 15 runs. Pittsburgh trails Milwaukee by six games in the NL Central.

Brewers starter Kyle Lohse (7-2) lost for the first time since opening day and fell to 11-3 lifetime vs Pittsburgh as it was a rare game that the Pirates got to Lohse and they did it in a big way as he allowed nine hits and eight runs.

Brandon Cumpton (1-2) earned his first win of the season. He was okay, going 5 1/3 innings, allowing eight hits and three runs.

Leading the offensive surge was Russell Martin (.263 – 3 HR – 17 RBI) who had three hits and drove in four runs, while Jordy Mercer (.232 – 3 HR – 12 RBI) homered and drove in three.

Andrew McCutchen (.301 – 7 HR – 28 RBI) continues his power surge of late, hitting his seventh home run of the season and added his 16th double of the season. McCutchen has homered in three of his last five games.

Jose Tabata (.297 – 0 HR – 12 RBI) got the start in left field over Starling Marte and had two hits and drove in two runs, while Neil Walker (.280 – 11 HR – 35 RBI) had two hits.

Josh Harrison (.313 – 4 HR – 13 RBI) extended his hitting streak to nine games.