The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-2 Sunday to avoid a Pirates sweep. Starting pitcher Quinn Priester allowed two runs on two hits over six innings, although he did walk five batters.
Sunday’s loss officially clinched a losing season, and eliminated the Pirates from the post-season.
The Bucs defeated the Reds 7-5 Friday night, then completed the biggest comeback in franchise history Saturday with a 13-12 victory. The Pirates came back from a 9-0 deficit in that game.
By losing two of three to the Bucs, the Reds have fallen 2-1/2 games out of the final National League Wild Card spot with five games remaining in their schedule.
The Pirates are off today, then open a three-game series in Philadelphia Tuesday.