Bucs top Reds, salvage split

Associated Press

cincinnati

Clint Hurdle decided to keep A.J. Burnett pitching on his regular day so he didn’t miss the showdown with the Cincinnati Reds.

The Pittsburgh Pirates had a day off Thursday that allowed Burnett to face the Reds and improve to 7-2 after a team loss.

Burnett remained undefeated against the Reds this season and Starling Marte hit a tiebreaking two-run triple to help the Pittsburgh Pirates salvage the finale of their three-game series with a 6-2 win on Sunday.

“I’ve never had an ace before,” Hurdle said. “We have a guy with the experience A.J. brought with him.

Neil Walker hit a two-run home run and All-Star center fielder Andrew McCutchen added a solo shot as Pittsburgh snapped Cincinnati’s win streak at five and cut the Reds lead in the National League Central Division to 41/2 games.

Burnett (14-3) allowed just one hit after the first inning and retired 18 straight batters before yielding two walks with two outs in the ninth. He allowed three hits and two runs with three walks and seven strikeouts in 82/3 innings to improve to 3-0 in three starts against the Reds this season.

“After the second inning he was just rock solid. He got some quick outs,” Hurdle said.

Burnett shrugged off the stopper’s tag.

“I just want to win whatever it takes, if it’s my day it’s my responsibility.”