The Cincinnati Reds are still having trouble figuring out Francisco Liriano, but at least they did not lose more ground to the Pirates as the game remains 5-1 in Pittsburgh's favor.
Francisco Liriano remains sharp, Pirates lead 5-1
The Reds bullpen has managed to slow down the Pirates, but Cincinnati’s bats are floundering.
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
More team coverage: Bucs Dugout Red Reporter
Liriano allowed a walk to Zack Cozart to begin the fifth inning, but would up erasing him with a double play. The Reds got another baserunner in the sixth when Ryan Ludwick hit a one-out double into center field that just bounded off the glove of Andrew McCutchen, who nearly made a phenomenal play. Nothing would come of it as Joey Votto struck out for the second time tonight and Brandon Phillips grounded out.
Through six innings, Liriano has allowed just three hits and a walk while striking out five. He has thrown 52 strikes to just 21 balls.
Meanwhile, the Reds’ bullpen has managed to quell the Pirates’ hot bats. Alfredo Simon and Manny Parra combined to allow just three singles over the fifth and sixth innings.
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