MILWAUKEE — Manager Clint Hurdle dared not dance around the Pirates’ dreadful history at Miller Park when he spoke before the series opener Thursday. His words, chosen carefully, were, “We’re still looking for the key to the lock here.” The search has gone on for nine years now, with 18 wins in 82 tries, and Hurdle admitted he’s tested many tiny tweaks over the years.
The antidote Hurdle tried in a 3-2 10-inning win Thursday was rookie right-hander Chad Kuhl. He had pitched well in Oakland, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. Kuhl had not been tormented on the road.