The Pirates managed only five hits against the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday at PNC Park as they fell 3-1, failing to complete a sweep.
Johnny Cueto pitched six strong innings for the Reds, while Jeff Karstens pitched seven innings and allowed three runs, one earned, in the loss.
Errors by Pirates rookie shortstop Chase D'Arnaud led to runs for the Reds in the first and fifth innings. They also scored in the second, when Karstens walked Jay Bruce, who came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Miguel Cairo.
The Pirates' only run came in the fourth. Neil Walker was hit by a pitch, and Andrew McCutchen brought him home with a double.
The Pirates are now tied with the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL Central division lead. The St. Louis Cardinals are one game back, and the Bucs will begin a series against them on Friday.
For more on the Pirates, check out Bucs Dugout.