Maldonado mashes, but Bucs rattle Garza

MILWAUKEE — The Pirates aren’t sunk just yet. A 6-3 win over the Brewers on Tuesday was the Bucs’ fifth victory in six games, offering faint hope for Andrew McCutchen & Co. of another berth in the National League Wild Card Game.

McCutchen’s two-run double in the first inning propelled the Pirates on a night they never trailed, and Josh Bell and Jordy Mercer also drove in two runs apiece while Clint Hurdle managed like it was October.

The Pirates entered the day 4 1/2 games behind the Cardinals and Giants, who were tied for the second NL Wild Card spot, and a half-game behind the Marlins.

Martin Maldonado hit a solo homer for the Brewers off Pirates starter Steven Brault before Hurdle tapped his bullpen with a 5-2 lead and a Milwaukee rally brewing in the fifth. Relievers Jared Hughes, Wade LeBlanc, Juan Nicasio, Antonio Bastardo and Tony Watson (14th save) combined to record the final 15 outs for the Pirates’ fifth consecutive win at Miller Park.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED Doubled up: Milwaukee threatened in both the fifth and sixth, but a pair of double plays helped send the Pirates toward the victory — including the play of the …

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