Pirates not haunted by Miller Park struggles

MILWAUKEE — It had become imperative for the Pittsburgh Pirates to figure out a way to win at Miller Park.

On Thursday night, the Pirates solved the riddle with a 3-2, 10-inning victory over the Brewers, snapping a nine-game losing streak at Miller Park. But this result required several elements — a commendable start by rookie Chad Kuhl, clutch hitting by center fielder Andrew McCutchen and scoreless work from four relievers.

The next task would be repeating this level of achievement.

Over the last 10 years, the Pirates are 17-64 in Milwaukee. The Pirates still have six more games at Miller Park this season. If they want a Wild Card, they’ll need to pick up their pace in southeastern Wisconsin.

The Pirates have tried changing their routine in their Miller Park visits. A lasting answer has eluded them.

“We’re still looking for the key to the lock here,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “We’ve tried some different things over the years. This is my sixth year visiting here.”

The surest combination turned out to be a really strong pitching performance and just enough timely hitting. Not a new combination, but it has passed the test of time.

Kuhl threw six shutout innings, giving up just two hits, before trouble found him in the seventh; a double and then a tying two-run homer by Kirk Nieuwenhuis. Still, it was another strong performance from Kuhl, who has five straight starts in which he has allowed two earned runs or fewer. He has pitched particularly well on the road.

“He’s got a big belief system that he’s got an opportunity to take the ball today and do something …

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