Bell’s homer helps Bucs split

Associated Press

CINCINNATI

Josh Bell is finishing off one of the best power-hitting months in Pirates history.

The switch-hitting first baseman tied the club record with his 12th homer in May, and Pittsburgh beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-2 Wednesday for a split of their four-game series that ended with more bruised feelings.

Bell’s three-run homer gave him 18 overall and equaled Jason Bay’s mark of 12 in May 2006. His 23rd extra-base hit in the month left him one shy of Paul Waner’s club record for any month.

Bell also had a pair of singles, raising his average to .345 and extending his hitting streak to nine games. He’s hit safely in 28 of the last 29 games.

“It’s been one of the most special starts I’ve seen in all the years I’ve been at the major league level, and I’ve seen some really good players,” manager Clint Hurdle said.

The Pirates already had starters Trevor Williams and Jameson Taillon on the injured list heading into the series, and Jordan Lyles had to leave Tuesday night after only four innings because of discomfort in his left hamstring. Bell was the constant, going 7 for 17 during the series with two homers.

“He’s seeing everything so well, it’s a joke,” left-hander Steven Brault said. “He’s going to hit something hard.”

The series wrapped up with another tense moment between the Ohio River rivals. Reds manager David Bell was ejected by umpire Jeff Nelson in the eighth for a heated discussion with the umpire crew after Eugenio Suarez was hit by a pitch.

Pittsburgh’s Clay Holmes got Suarez on the back of the left hand with a fastball. Suarez walked toward the mound and exchanged words with Holmes, but players stayed in the dugouts. Suarez left the game for X-rays that were negative. Bell continued arguing.

“Clearly, we’re not going to be protected by the umpires,” said Bell, who’s been ejected four times this season. “Clearly, they think it’s OK to let them throw at our hitters. The league seems to think it’s OK.”

Last season, a pitch by Taillon broke Suarez’s right thumb, causing him to miss 16 games.

Colin Moran also had a three-run shot off Anthony DeSclafani (2-3), who has given up seven homers in his last three starts.