Cincinnati Reds edge past the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1 – MLB News
Homer Bailey pitched seven solid innings on Wednesday, September 12, to help the Cincinnati Reds win a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park. The Reds also swept the three-game series, extending their National League Central lead to just over 11 games.
Backing Bailey were the Reds' batters Wilson Valdez and Scott Rolen who scored in the third and sixth innings to make the victory possible. Pirates' A. J. Burnett pitched six strong innings, but could not hold the Reds' hitters at bay, allowing both runs and five hits.
"It was a well-pitched game on Homer's side," Burnett said. "You have to tip your hat."
To fill in Aroldis Chapman’s place, the closer who has been given rest by the Reds due to arm fatigue, J. J. Hoover pitched perfectly to save the game. Sam LeCure pitched a solid eighth for the Reds to pave the way for a strong ninth inning for Hoover. He did it with style, allowing only a hit to end the game with 2-1 victory.
Reds now hold an 87-57 win-loss record in the season, having 30 game lead. The last time they achieved it was in 1999.
They are now ever closer for the Division Championship. While everyone celebrated the victory, the Reds' manager Dusty Baker was probably the happiest out there.
"You've got to do those things if you're going to win close ballgames," he said. "(The Pirates) were doing it earlier this season. It's nice to get the sweep and get one step closer."
Homer Bailey, on the other hand, was all praise for the team manager and bench coach Chris Speier. That is understandable, given the performance of both batters and pitchers.
"All the credit goes to Dusty and Speier," Bailey said. "Hanigan did a great job. He ended up with chalk and dirt all over his face."
With the lead favouring the Reds in the Division, it is interesting to see whether or not they increase the lead beyond it. If they achieve that, it will be a major morale booster for the Reds, helping them maintain an edge in the playoffs.
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