In a game that was one for the purists, Vance Worley was masterful after getting sent to the bullpen earlier in the week. The Pittsburgh Pirates took the rubber match of the three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers to put a separation of 4 1/2 game between the two clubs for the last Wild Card spot in the National League. The Pirates are inching closer to hosting the game for the second year in a row.

Worley was sent to the bullpen last Tuesday when the Pirates decided to give Charlie Morton a start. He took the high road despite being a reliable starter for much of the year. Worley went eight scoreless innings while giving up only four hits. He struck out five Brewers and lowered his ERA below 3.00 for the season. Worley also improved his record to 8-4. 

Wily Peralta went seven innings and gave up five hits. He struck out four batters and walked three. The one earned run he gave up in the seventh inning was the difference. Andrew McCutchen singled to lead off the inning and moved to second on a passed ball. Peralta's wild pitch allowed McCutchen to advance to third base. Russell Martin laced a single to center field for the only run of the game.

With Mark Melancon unavailable, Tony Watson was brought in for the save. Carlos Gomez singled to lead off the ninth inning. Pinch hitter Rickie Weeks hit a chopper over the mound that Watson fielded and skipped his throw to Gaby Sanchez at first base. The ball barely got away, but Gomez made the wide turn. It was a horrible decision by Gomez who was easily caught between second and third base. Ryan Braun would get a chance with two on and two outs in the inning, but he flied out on the first pitch of the at-bat to end the game. 

After the game, Clint Hurdle addressed the crowd thanking them for the support as the Pirates' regular season home schedule came to an end. Over 2.5 million fans attended games at PNC Park this season setting a new record. There was clear emotion in Hurdle's voice as the Pirates went 51-30 at home this year.

The win and an Atlanta Braves loss means that only the Brewers can catch the Pirates. The pressure on the Pirates from behind is minimal though with the first Wild Card spot now in sight. The St. Louis Cardinals have a 2 1/2 game lead in the NL Central heading into Monday. The Pirates head to Atlanta for the next-to-last series of the year. Milwaukee has an off day on Monday.

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About the author
Doug Smith
Doug has a communications background that started with a local weekly newspaper as a high school junior. He has experience in both print and digital as a freelance writer. Doug has covered baseball, soccer, golf, tennis and hockey for three different blog networks. His last print assignment was as a Features editor for a regional newspaper in northwest PA. His personal interests include soccer, especially MLS and the German Bundesliga. He also likes to play tennis in his spare time. He appreciate your readership and welcomes any and all comments. Thank you.