Pirates drop Reds for 4th straight win

May 28, 2012 at 4:57p.m.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — James McDonald scattered five hits over eight shutout innings and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Cincinnati Reds 4-1 on Monday to climb back to .500.

Pedro Alvarez, Rod Barajas and Neil Walker all had two hits apiece and knocked in a run for the Pirates, who have won a season-high four straight to improve to 24-24.

It was more than enough for McDonald (4-2), who retired his final 12 batters after letting the first two hitters reach in the fifth. He struck out five and walked one while matching the longest outing of his career and lowering his ERA to 2.20.

Joel Hanrahan got the final out for his 12th save.

Bronson Arroyo (2-3) lasted just four innings on a sweltering day in which he struggled with his command.