Armas, Pirates blank Brewers

Posted September 10, 2007 11:00 pm

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH -- Tony Armas pitched 6 sharp innings and Nate McLouth's 2-run homer carried the Pittsburgh Pirates to another homefield victory over the Brewers, 9-0 on Monday night.

Milwaukee's loss, its fourth in five games in Pittsburgh this season, dropped the Brewers back into a first place tie in the National League Central with the Cubs.

Armas and relievers Franquelis Osoria and Romulo Sanchez combined on the 4-hitter, blanking a team that broke loose for 6 home runs at Cincinnati on Sunday.

Armas (4-5), winless as a starter this season until Aug. 1, allowed only 3 singles in shutting down the Brewers for his fourth victory in five career decisions. He has won 4 of his last 6 decisions after going 0-3 during the first half of the season.

The Brewers had won 8 of 11 but, once again, couldn't find a way to win in Pittsburgh -- they have lost 41 of 60 there since PNC Park opened in 2001, even though the Pirates have yet to have a winning season since the ballpark opened.

The Brewers are 8-1 at home against the Pirates this season, but are 1-4 in Pittsburgh, where the Pirates have won 13 of their last 17 and four in a row against them.

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