PIRATES

With tonight's extra-inning win over the Brewers, the Pirates have now won three straight series against National League Central opponents to start the season. They previously took two of three from both the Reds and Cubs. The Pirates have only won each of their first three series against the division in a season three times since the division formed in 1994. It also happened in 2014 and 2018.

"We talked a little about it before the game. Gritty, dirtbag ballplayer, Pittsburgh identity of grit and grinding out at-bats, games, pitches," Don Kelly said. "We’ve shown that so far this year, being resilient, coming back, being able to bounce back after some tough losses. That’s what it’s going to take throughout the season, that continued mindset of showing up every day with that attitude." 

All five teams in the Central are at .500 or better and the Pirates currently sit in third place in the division, trailing the first-place Reds by two games. 

“Obviously this division is legit," Nick Gonzales said. "I think every team is doing really well right now, so that’s exciting for us. We gotta keep doing that, keep winning games in division. Keep winning as many games as we can, obviously, but I think the team is in a good spot.”