Milledge making most of new chance

Looks as if Lastings Milledge is getting the chance to be an everyday player and so far the results are good.

The Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder started his third straight game since the All-Star break, all against right handers, and has some nice numbers to show for the new faith Bucs manager John Russell has showed in him.

The Lakewood Ranch High product has five hits in 12 at-bats during those three games with three RBIs and three runs scored while showing his defensive prowess.

For the month of July, Milledge is hitting .355 and has hit safely in seven of nine games. He played a big role in the Pirates snapping a seven game losing streak Saturday with two hits, two ribbies and a run scored in a 12-6 victory. On Sunday,
Milledge had two more hits, drove in a run and scored a run a 9-0 whitewash over Houston.

In Saturday’s victory, Milledge leaped high in the air into the fence to rob Houston’s Michael Bourn of an extra base hit and stop what might have been a big inning.