McCutchen helps Liriano end losing streak vs. Reds

Associated Press

CINCINNATI

Another winning record clinched? Ho-hum. The Pirates don’t celebrate such things anymore.

Andrew McCutchen hit a three-run homer and left-hander Francisco Liriano pitched six shutout innings as he finally beat the Reds on his 11th try, leading Pittsburgh to a 7-3 victory on Tuesday night.

The Pirates are first in line for an NL wild card and a third straight playoff appearance, still trying to catch the Cardinals for first place in the NL Central. Their win on Tuesday was their 82nd, clinching another winning season.

Nobody much noticed.

“It is tangible evidence of us being in a better place,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “We had 20 consecutive losing seasons as an organization, and I was here for two of them. And I felt the angst of the city and the fan base, the passion that they have for baseball.

“And one of the things we talked about was creating a new sense and direction of history. That’s part of it.”

One of their biggest hurdles this season has been the Reds. The Pirates are 5-10 against their Ohio River rivals, who have dominated the series the last two years.

McCutchen connected in the third inning off rookie Raisel Iglesias (3-7), who lasted only three innings.

Liriano (10-7) came into the game 0-5 in 10 season starts against Cincinnati, the only team he had faced but hadn’t beaten during his career. The left-hander allowed three hits, struck out 10 and didn’t allow a runner beyond second base.

He also doubled and scored the Pirates’ first run off Iglesias, making it all the way home from second base on Gregory Polanco’s single. He couldn’t remember the last time he scored from second base.

“It was a great feeling to score right there,” he said.