Kuhl impresses again as Pirates top Reds, 3-2
The Pittsburgh Pirates scored twice in the sixth inning and Chad Kuhl gave up one earned run in six innings Friday in a 3-2 win over the visiting Cincinnati Reds.
The Pirates' scoring plays came on a double play and two sacrifice flies. They have won back-to-back games for the first time since they won three straight May 15-17.
Cincinnati had its three-game winning streak halted.
Kuhl (5-4) allowed two runs -- one unearned because of his error -- and six hits in six innings, with six strikeouts and three walks. He has given up just eight earned runs in his past five starts, though he hadn't won since May 6.
Felipe Vazquez pitched the ninth for his 13th save.
Matt Harvey (1-5) gave up three runs and four hits in five-plus innings, with two strikeouts and two walks. The Reds won in his first three starts after he was acquired from the Mets, and now have lost in his past four starts.
The Pirates took a 1-0 lead in the second. Harvey walked Colin Moran and Francisco Cervelli, and Josh Bell singled to load the bases. Gregory Polanco grounded into a double play, scoring Moran.
Cincinnati tied it in the third. Scott Schebler led off with a single and, an out later, moved to third on Joey Votto's double off the wall in center. Scooter Gennett's sacrifice fly brought Schebler home.
The Reds took a 2-1 lead in the fourth. Adam Duvall and Jose Peraza singled. Kuhl picked up a bunt by Harvey but threw wide toward third, allowing Duvall to score.
Pittsburgh moved back ahead in the sixth. Pinch hitter Elias Diaz and Josh Harrison singled, chasing Harvey. Wandy Peralta came in for one batter, hitting Corey Dickerson to load the bases.
The third pitcher of the inning, Michael Lorenzen, gave up a sacrifice fly to right by Starling Marte, tying it, and Moran followed with another sacrifice fly to bring home Harrison for a 3-2 lead.
--Field Level Media
