(Updated: CHANGE: Minor editing 2ND graph)
Pirates 3, Reds 2: Jordy Mercer delivered the tiebreaking single and Jeff Locke allowed one hit over six innings as visiting Pittsburgh salvaged the finale of the three-game set.
Cincinnatiâ??s Homer Bailey (5-9) struck out a career-high 12 but wilted in the seventh as Michael McKenry doubled to left-center field and scored on Mercerâ??s ground single to center. Jose Tabata added a pinch-hit single later in the inning to end Baileyâ??s afternoon and give the Pirates a 3-1 edge.
The Reds loaded the bases in the eighth before Mark Melancon induced Joey Votto to hit into a double play and retired Brandon Phillips on a grounder. Jason Grilli allowed a one-out single to Todd Frazier in the ninth before retiring the final two batters for his 30th save in 31 opportunities.
Pittsburghâ??s Garrett Jones hit a one-out blast into the right-center field stands in the second inning. The Reds tied the score in the fifth on two walks, a sacrifice bunt by Bailey and a wild pitch by Locke (9-2).
Bailey allowed three runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings for his fifth loss in six decisions. His only victory during the stretch was a no-hitter against the San Francisco Giants on July 2.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Reds OF Shin-Soo Choo went 2-for-3 with a walk to extend his career-best hitting streak to 15 games. Chooâ??s leadoff infield single in the first inning was the lone Cincinnati hit against Locke. â? Grilliâ??s only blown save of the campaign was against Cincinnati on June 19, when he allowed a game-tying homer to Jay Bruce. â? Reds OF Ryan Ludwick (shoulder) is slated to begin a rehab stint at Single-A Dayton on Wednesday.
