Pittsburgh Pirates thrash Cincinnati Reds 6-2 – MLB News
The Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, August 5, snapped the Cincinnati Reds' five-game winning streak, beating them 6-2 at Great American Ball Park. Pirates victory also brought the Reds lead in the Division down to four and a half games.
Sunday’s game was predominated by the Pirates' starter A. J. Burnett who pitched over eight innings, allowing only three hits and two runs and going for seven strike-outs. With his force, command and experience, Burnett kept every Reds hitter at bay.
The Pirates, manager, Clint Hurdle, was obviously quite excited by the performance of the accomplished starter.
"I've never had an ace before," Hurdle said. "We have a guy with the experience A.J. brought with him.”
Burnett retired 18 straight batters in Sunday’s game, backed by a strong offence wherein Neil Walker hit a two-run homer in the second inning coupled with a solo homer of the Andrew McCutchen coming in the ninth inning.
"I just want to win whatever it takes, if it's my day it's my responsibility."
Reds’ starter Homer Bailey, on the other hand, gave up nine hits and four runs in his 4.2 innings.
The Reds offence, it appeared, had its first tough day in the absence of first and second baseman Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips. It was Jay Bruce who doubled to deep right in the first inning to score the first run, and Drew Stubbs hit a solo homer in the third to level the score.
But after that, none of the hitters could do what was required. The team manager had his view to share about it.
"You get greedy," Cincinnati manager Dusty Baker said. "When you start winning every day, two out of three isn't good enough. We went 5-2 on the home stand, but you always want more. We're in a situation now where, hopefully, we get some guys back. Our guys have fought through some adversity."
Whatever the end result, the competition has now intensified in the Division wherein both the Pirates and Reds are battling for more share. The Reds, nevertheless, will try to retain the top slot they have earned with considerable difficulty.
Brandon Phillips’ missing the fifth straight game and Votto’s absence, will certainly impact the Reds’ overall performance in the days to come.
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