Reds 4, Pirates 3
Zack Cozart’s RBI double with two outs in the top of the ninth inning capped a two-run uprising as visiting Cincinnati assured Pittsburgh of a losing campaign.
Pinch hitter Xavier Paul led off the ninth with a home run off Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan (5-2) to tie the game. Ryan Ludwick doubled with two outs and Cozart doubled home pinch runner Denis Phipps to help hand Pittsburgh its 18th loss in 23 games.
Sean Marshall (5-5) recorded two outs in the eighth and Aroldis Chapman worked out of a ninth-inning jam by striking out the final two batters for his 37th save for the Reds. The Pirates' record dipped to 78-82, marking the franchise’s 20th consecutive losing season.
Johnny Cueto allowed three runs - one earned - and six hits in seven innings. He was attempting to become the Reds’ first 20-game winner since Danny Jackson posted 23 victories in 1988.
The Reds jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the third inning on a run-scoring double by Joey Votto and Todd Frazier’s RBI groundout. Pittsburgh tied the contest in the bottom of the inning on a two-run homer by Garrett Jones and took a 3-2 lead in the fifth on an RBI single by Andrew McCutchen.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Reds manager Dusty Baker is slated to return Monday against the St. Louis Cardinals after missing 11 games due to a minor stroke and irregular heartbeat. Bench coach Chris Speier has served as acting manager in Baker's absence. … Pirates starter Wandy Rodriguez struck out seven and gave up two runs and six hits in six innings. … Ludwick (groin) was a late scratch from the starting lineup because of the wet playing surface. He hasn’t started since Sept. 19 due to the ailment.