Comeback Attempt Falls Short; Pirates Lose To Reds, 5-4
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) -- The Pittsburgh Pirates fell behind early and couldn't quite battle all the way back Wednesday night, losing at Cincinnati, 5-4.
Pirates starter Brad Lincoln -- starting in place of Charlie Morton, who is on the 15-day disabled list with elbow discomfort -- got roughed up in the fourth inning. After Joey Votto, Jay Bruce and Todd Frazier reached base, Ryan Ludwick doubled to center field, scoring three runs and giving the Reds a 4-0 lead.
Ludwick was driven in by Ryan Hanigan in the next at-bat, and Cincinnati had a 5-0 advantage through four innings.
Brandon Phillips hit a solo home run in the second inning for the Reds' first run of the game.
The Pirates eventually answered in the eighth inning. Rod Barajas doubled and Pedro Alvarez hit a pinch-hit single, and Barajas scored when Neil Walker singled to left field.
Andrew McCutchen followed with a four-run home run to left-center field and Pittsburgh closed the gap to 5-4 with one inning to play.
However, Reds closer Aroldis Chapman set the Buccos down 1-2-3 in the ninth inning for the win.
Lincoln went just four innings for the Pirates, allowing five runs on six hits. Reds starter Johnny Cueto pitched 7 2/3 innings, surrendering three runs on six hits.
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