Reds’ Hamilton steals 4 bases in win over Pirates

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

From the get-go, Billy Hamilton could not be contained Sunday.

Hamilton swiped four bases, got three hits and scored three times, leading the Cincinnati Reds over the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-3.

“My job is to get on base and get into scoring position for these guys behind me to drive me in,” Hamilton said. “That’s my job.

“I felt like I did my job.”

Hamilton set the tone right away. He drew a leadoff walk from Gerrit Cole, then stole two bags. He finished the day with 43 steals this season, which led the majors until Milwaukee’s Jonathan Villar stole two bags later Sunday to match Hamilton.

Hamilton helped the Reds avoid a series sweep with his bat and legs. The center fielder also made a leaping, backhanded catch that drew applause from the Pittsburgh fans at PNC Park.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle blamed himself for Hamilton’s impact.

“We weren’t where we wanted to be with it. That’s my responsibility,” Hurdle said. “It’s my responsibility to take care of that and everybody has different jobs to do. When we get those kinds of bases stolen, that’s on the manager.”

Gerrit Cole (7-7) fell to 0-6 lifetime against the Reds. He left in the sixth, giving up four runs on three hits and three walks.