The Pittsburgh Pirates completed a four-game sweep of the Cincinnati Reds with a 7-5 victory Sunday. It was the first four-game sweep of the Reds in Pittsburgh since 1969. The game featured Josh Bell hitting a 474 foot home run to center field. His second home run in as many games. Melky Cabrera had three hits. Rookie Jason Martin added two hits a day after making his major league debut.
Richard Rodriguez earned his first career save. He was pushed into the closer role Sunday after Felipe Vazquez and Keone Kela were thrown out of the game. The Reds rushed the field after Pirates starter Chris Archer threw a pitch behind Reds batter Derek Dietrich. Dietrich had homered earlier in the game. Yasael Puig was thrown out of the game along with Reds manager David Bell.
The Bucs visit the Chicago Cubs today for the Cubs home opener. First pitch is 2:20pm. WISR pre-game begins at 1:55pm. Jameson Taillon will start for the Pirates. Jon Lester will start for the Cubs.
The Pirates earned a walk-off 6-5 win Saturday, when Kevin Newman drove in Francisco Cervelli in the 10th inning. Francisco Liriano picked up the win in relief. Starting pitcher Trevor Williams allowed three runs over six innings.