Starling Marte and Andrew McCutchen ensure Pirates avoid sweep against Reds

The Pirates made sure that they would not be swept against the division leading Cincinnati Reds and won 6-2.

Early on it looked like things would go the Reds way as Jay Bruce hit a double that scored Drew Stubbs. With Homer Bailey on the mound, things did not appear to be good.

Don’t tell that to the Pirates though, as they overcame this as they have many other obstacles on the season.

One swing of the bat from Neil Walker gave the Pirates a 2-1 lead. For Walker, his second inning two run shot was his 12th of the season, which ties his career high.

Everything was tied up at 2 in the bottom of the third after Drew Stubbs connected for a solo homerun, his 14th of the season.

Starling Marte picked a key time to have his first triple in his major league career and it came in the top of the fourth inning and plated Gaby Sanchez and Clint Barmes.

From there the Pirates turned to A.J. Burnett who allowed only three hits the entire game picking up right where he left off in the near no hitter. He also had his strikeout pitch going, fanning seven Reds batters.

The Pirates added insurance in the ninth as Andrew McCutchen finally connected on a solo homer after some close calls. It was his 23rd of the season.

Extra insurance was provided when Rod Barajas was safe on an error from Todd Frazier. This plated Walker and gave the Pirates the 6-2 lead.

Burnett nearly pitched his second consecutive complete game but was pulled in favor of Joel Hanrahan who recorded the final out for his 32nd save.

Win: A.J. Burnett (14-3)
Loss: Homer Bailey (9-7)
Save: Joel Hanrahan (32)

MVP: A.J. Burnett (W) 8.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R/ER, 3 BB, 7 K Pirates needed a strong start to avoid a sweep
LVP: Clint Barmes 2-5 3 K- All of the Pirates starters got a hit, but a Barmes strikeout when the outcome of the game was still in doubt was frustrating.

Next Game: Pirates vs Arizona Diamondbacks 7:05 PM EDT PNC Park: Erik Bedard (5-12 4.83 ERA) vs Wade Miley (12-6 2.98 ERA)