Brewers seek to avoid sweep behind Jimmy Nelson

Todd Rosiak
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Starting pitcher Jimmy Nelson is pumped after the Brewers turned a double play to end the fifth inning against the Orioles on Tuesday at Miller Park.

PITTSBURGH - Can Jimmy Nelson deliver?

That's what the Milwaukee Brewers are hoping, as they try to avoid a four-game sweep at the hands of the Pittsburgh Pirates this afternoon at PNC Park.

They've lost all three games in this series by a run, and the last five games between the two teams overall have been decided by a single tally.

Milwaukee is also seeking to avoid tying its season-high losing streak of five games.

Two struggling hitters, Eric Thames and Keon Broxton, are out of the lineup, while Jonathan Villar re-enters at second base and bats leadoff.

Ryan Braun is also off for a second consecutive day.