The Pirates entered the day 4 1/2 games behind the Cardinals and Giants, who were tied for the second NL Wild Card spot, and a half-game behind the Marlins.
Martin Maldonado hit a solo homer for the Brewers off Pirates starter Steven Brault before Hurdle tapped his bullpen with a 5-2 lead and a Milwaukee rally brewing in the fifth. Relievers Jared Hughes, Wade LeBlanc, Juan Nicasio, Antonio Bastardo and Tony Watson (14th save) combined to record the final 15 outs for the Pirates' fifth consecutive win at Miller Park.