Pittsburgh Pirates Blast Brewers 14-5, Skenes Earns Second Straight Win

Pittsburgh Pirates erupted for a 14‑5 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on July 12, 2026, with a ten‑run fourth inning that turned a solid start by Jared Skenes into his second straight win. The win lifted the Pirates to an 8th‑place NL standing, 50‑47, and extended their three‑game winning streak.

How did the Pirates pull off a 14‑5 rout?

The Pirates jumped on the board early, scoring two runs in the first inning thanks to a two‑run single by Bryan Reynolds. Skenes settled in, delivering five innings of two‑run ball while striking out six. The real fireworks came in the fourth, when Milwaukee’s starter faltered and Pittsburgh seized the moment. A leadoff double by Connor Joe sparked a cascade of hits, including a two‑run homer from Matt Olson and a three‑run single by Nick Castellanos, pushing the lead to 12‑2.

Why was Jared Skenes’ performance pivotal?

Skenes logged 5.0 innings, allowing just two runs on five hits and issuing one walk. His ERA slipped to 3.45 after the outing, and he collected his second win in as many starts, snapping a nine‑game winless stretch for the club. The right‑hander’s poise kept the Brewers from mounting a comeback, and his ground‑ball rate of 58% forced several double plays that stifled Milwaukee’s rally attempts.

What does this win mean for Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes?

The 14‑5 triumph pushes Pittsburgh into a three‑game winning streak and improves their record to 50‑47, keeping them within striking distance of the NL wild‑card spots. The offensive outburst, highlighted by a team‑high eight hits in the fourth, shows the lineup can generate runs in bunches. If the Pirates sustain this production, they could close the gap on the second‑place team in the NL Central.

Who stood out beyond Skenes?

Reynolds finished the night with three hits, two RBIs, and a stolen base, reinforcing his role as the team’s leadoff catalyst. Olson’s solo blast was his fifth of the season, and Castellanos added a double and two RBIs, solidifying his middle‑order presence. In the bullpen, Nick Burdi closed out the game with a clean ninth, preserving the margin and earning his third save of the year.

What’s next for the Pirates?

Pittsburgh heads to home‑field advantage against the Cincinnati Reds on July 14, looking to extend the streak. Manager Derek Shelton will likely keep Skenes in the rotation, hoping the momentum carries over. The Pirates will need to maintain their offensive rhythm and keep the bullpen fresh to stay competitive in the tight NL race.