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Grilli's first blown save spoils Locke's start in loss

Pirates starter Jeff Locke kept his unbeaten streak alive Wednesday at Great American Ball Park. Closer Jason Grilli couldn't say the same about his own impressive run, blowing his first save of the season en route to a 2-1 loss to the Reds in 13 innings.

 

Cumpton looks to force series split in second start

Though Brandon Phillips may have gotten on track with a walk-off single in the 13th inning Wednesday, Pirates rookie Brandon Cumpton will try to ensure it's not the case in Thursday's series finale at Great American Ball Park, where Homer Bailey starts for the home side.

 

Strikeouts glaring for struggling Pirates offense

At the beginning of play Wednesday, the Braves were the only National League team to strike out more times (645) than the Pirates (599) this season. That's contributed to Pittsburgh ranking 24th in the Majors in runs scored with 266 before taking on the Reds on Wednesday.

 

Improving Alvarez still striking out in middle of lineup

Third baseman Pedro Alvarez entered Wednesday's matchup with the Reds having reached base safely in 14 of 16 games this month. In that span, he hit five homers and accounted for 14 of his 43 RBIs, and manager Clint Hurdle said Alvarez has been showing glimpses of the player the Pirates hope he can be.

 

Lefty Zagurski opts to explore free agency

After being designated for assignment Saturday and clearing waivers Tuesday, left-hander Mike Zagurski opted to enter free agency.

 

Early runs help Morton, Bucs finally top Latos

Pirates manger Clint Hurdle had a feeling Reds starter Mat Latos was due for a loss. A dominant performance from Charlie Morton and a big first inning from the Pirates' offense turned Hurdle's feeling into reality, as Pittsburgh beat Cincinnati, 4-0, on Tuesday at Great American Ball Park.

 

Walker questions intent of Chapman's chin music

In the ninth inning of Monday's 4-1 loss to the Reds, Neil Walker led off against Cincinnati closer Aroldis Chapman. With the count even at two balls and two strikes, Chapman buzzed a 100-mph fastball right past the chin of Walker, who barely evaded it and fell to his back.

 

Gomez's second rehab start postponed due to rain

Injured right-hander Jeanmar Gomez was expected to make his second rehab start Tuesday with Triple-A Indianapolis as he recovers from a right forearm strain and inflammation, but rain postponed the game.

 

McGuire signs, capping busy weeks for high schooler

The Pirates announced they signed Reese McGuire, one of their two first-round selections in the Draft who was previously committed to play at the University of San Diego. The Kentwood (Wash.) High School catcher signed for $2.369 million, about $200,000 below the slot value for the 14th pick.

 

Strong effort from Liriano derailed by home runs

With a chance to move into second place in the National League Central by beating the team in front of them, the Pirates fell just short on Monday, losing to the Reds 4-1 at Great American Ball Park. Francisco Liriano allowed his first two homers of the season.