CINCINNATI --For the first time in 51 years, a Pirate starting pitcher batted somewhere other than ninth tonight.

Paul Maholm, starting against Cincinnati, batted eighth, with Jack Wilson batting ninth.

The last time a Pirate starting pitcher batted higher than ninth was April 18, 1957 when manager Bobby Bragan batted Luis Arroyo eighth ahead of second baseman Bill Mazeroski in a game against Brooklyn at Ebbets Field.

The season before, Bragan had his pitcher bat seventh for 20 consecutive games, ending with a doubleheader against Brooklyn at Ebbets Field Sept. 3, 1956.