MILWAUKEE -- When someone pointed out to Andy LaRoche on Wednesday that two Milwaukee Brewers still didn't have a hit this year, thePirates' third baseman chuckled. 

? Milwaukee Brewers All-Star outfielder Ryan Braun, who publicly griped about being plunked byPirates pitcher Jeff Karstens in the series opener, didn't fare well againstPirates starter Ian Snell on Wednesday. 

MilwaukeeBrewers pitching coach Billy Castro and right-handed reliever Jorge Julio sat in the team's lunch room and had a heart-to-heart chat Tuesday afternoon. 

MILWAUKEE -- So this is how the Brewers maintained their recent mastery over thePirates, yesterday recording their 18th consecutive victory inside Miller Park and 15th anywhere: with help, with hate. 

MILWAUKEE -- Starting in center field yesterday was a 5-foot-10, 180-pound speedster and left-handed batter who made his major league debut in 2005 and showedPirates fans a pile of promise. 

The rotation, a chief area of concern at the start of the season, stabilized behind the work of RHP Braden Looper and RHP Dave Bush. 

The Brewers might not own the Pirates, but they have taken out a long-term lease on them. 

--RHP Yovani Gallardo became the all-time leader in club history among pitchers when he socked his fourth homer Tuesday for the only run in a 1-0 victory over Pittsburgh. 

Ryan Braun has never been short on confidence. 

Brewers reserve outfielder Chris Duffy is hitless in seven at-bats this season, but the formerPirate feels fortunate to be in any clubhouse right now. 

MILWAUKEE ? ThePirates have lost to many teams in many ballparks during their 16-year losing skid. 

MILWAUKEE -- Ian Snell threw a career-high 131 pitches Wednesday afternoon, but just one will haunt him -- a seventh-inning slider that didn't slide. 

MILWAUKEE -- Jeff Karstens threw a pitch up, and Milwaukee's Ryan Braun threw down a gauntlet. 

MILWAUKEE -- And so Milwaukee's mojo continues. 

The rotation, a chief area of concern at the start of the season, stabilized behind the work of RHP Braden Looper and RHP Dave Bush.