The Pirates’ first four hits, and runs, of Wednesday’s game vs. the Reds came via home runs. But those weren’t what won them the game in come-from-behind fashion by a 5-4 score. It was their two softer hits in the top of the ninth — an infield single from Jung Ho Kang and a blooper by Jordy Mercer.
“It’s a gritty win. I thought it was a very gutsy effort by our guys throughout the game,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “It was an interesting game a lot of different ways.”
Andrew McCutchen, David Freese and Kang each hit solo homers off Reds starter Alfredo Simon. Cincinnati still had a 4-3 lead in the eighth inning with two outs when Josh Harrison hit a 1-0 pitch from reliever Tony Cingrani to center field for the game-tying solo home run.
In the top of the ninth against Ross Ohlendorf, Kang bounced a grounder near the middle of the infield. Shortstop Zack Cozart made a nice effort to get the ball, but his spin and throw was wide of Jordan Pacheco at first base and went into a camera well — ruled a single and an error. Pacheco, an inexperienced first baseman filling in for the rested Joey Votto, tried stretching for the catch instead of coming off the bag.
“In the end, it’s a tough play either way,” Reds manager Bryan Price said. “He’s trying to get the out. You don’t see that very often. You’re really trying to get that out to the best of your ability. I thought he put everything he had into trying to catch that ball and hold the bag. It just didn’t happen. I’m not putting anything on Jordan for that.”
Following a sacrifice bunt by Sean Rodriguez, the infield was in when Mercer’s bloop RBI single over Pacheco’s head fell into short right field for the go-ahead run.
“Just trying to get a ball up, get a ball in the air,” Mercer said. “You know he’s going to come at you in that situation. Luckily it worked out.”
Tony Watson earned the victory with a scoreless eighth inning of relief, while Mark Melancon collected his 10th save — putting two men on, including the go-ahead run with two outs, before Tucker Barnhart struck out to end it.
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