The Pirates need super closer Mark Melancon to be on a super roll heading into the playoffs. And maybe he has emerged from a mini-slump he had fallen into in recent games.
Melancon retired the Brewers in order Friday night, striking out two in the process for the first time since Aug. 19 and earning his 45th save.
The right-hander allowed five runs on five hits in 1 2/3 innings in two appearances before blanking Cincinnati and Milwaukee in his last two.