The Pittsburgh Pirates are in an absolute and unfortunate free-fall, losing their sixth consecutive game on Wednesday night against the Cincinnati Reds, 2-1, at Great American Ballpark.
A.J. Burnett pitched terrifically for the Bucs in a losing effort, throwing six innings and allowing two runs on five hits while striking out eight.
The problem was a lack of offensive output. Pittsburgh managed just seven hits with the only extra-base knock being a triple by Alex Presley. Gaby Sanchez picked up the lone RBI for the Pirates in the fourth inning to knot the game at one.
Homer Bailey was superb for the Reds on the other side, surrendering just one run in seven innings. The 26-year-old picked up his 11th win of the campaign, moving his club one step closer to the postseason.
Brandon Phillips was the catalyst at the top of the lineup for Cincinnati, accruing two hits and a stolen base.
The eventual winning run was brought home by Scott Rolen in the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly.
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