James McDonald is the latest Pittsburgh pitcher to blank the Reds.
The Reds allowed another scoring threat go to seed as pinch hitter Jay Bruce struck out with the bases loaded in the seventh inning at the hands of Joe Beimel, who bailed out McDonald.
Mike Leake allowed just two hits in six innings but they came back to back in the second inning. For the second straight game, Andrew McCutcheon drove in the winning run with a ground out. Princetion High and University of Cincinnati grad, Josh Harrison singled with one out. Neil Walker hit a ground rule double in front of McCutcheon.
The Reds still lead the NL in runs scored but have slumped much of the last month, failing in clutch situations at an alarming rate. The team is 0-for-6 with the bases loaded since the All-Star break.
Cincinnati collected six hits, two more than the Pirates but it is of little consolation as the big hit that carried the team to the division tittle last year, eludes them now.
Pittsburgh maintained its hold on first place, the last time they were in first place this late in the season was 1992, when they won the NL East.
The Reds are now five games out of first, three games below .500 and searching for answers. The Pirates have beaten the Reds in seven out of eight meetings.
Cincinnati Sports News and Commentary
About Me
- Gary Schatz
- I am a freelance writer. I've covered the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and others since 1992. I have a background in sales as well. I've sold consumer electronics, advertising and consumer package goods for companies ranging from the now defunct Circuit City to Procter&Gamble. I have worked as a stats operator for Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, the College of Mount St. Joe and Colerain High School.
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