MLB: Milwaukee 9, Pittsburgh 1

MILWAUKEE, July 4 (UPI) -- Milwaukee, led by Bill Hall's three hits and three RBI Friday, pounded the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-1.

One of Hall's hits was a two-run homer in the bottom of the second inning to start the scoring. His other RBI, a single, was part of a five-run seventh.

Milwaukee's J.J. Hardy had four hits, one a two-run homer in the fifth, and his first-inning single extended his hitting streak to 16 straight games.

Three others had one RBI, and Mike Cameron and Prince Fielder added two hits apiece for the Brewers, who have won three of their last four games.

Winner Ben Sheets (10-2) surrendered the earned run and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings with three walks and six strikeouts before Carlos Villanueva earned his first save.

Pittsburgh's run scored on Xavier Nady's third-inning. ground-rule double. He was one of three players with two hits for the Pirates, losers of three of five.

The losing pitcher was starter Tom Gorzelanny (6-7).