Pittsburgh Pirates secure home field in Wild Card Game with 4-0 win over Reds

The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Cincinnati Reds 4-0 in the final game of the regular season behind J.A. Happ start. Happ continued to show why Neil Huntington brought him in at the trade deadline. Happ went six innings and allowed just three hits, three walks and seven strikeouts.

The Pirates were able to get to Reds starter Josh Smith in the bottom of the first. Josh Harrison doubled with one out then scored on a Neil Walker single to right field to give the Pirates a 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the fourth, Pedro Alvarez came to the plate to lead off the inning against Smith. Pedro blasted a solo home run 479 feet to right center field to give the Pirates a 2-0 lead.

In the bottom of the sixth, Jumbo Diaz took over on the mound for the Reds. Francisco Cervelli doubled to left with two outs. Jordy Mercer doubled to score Cervelli and extend the lead to 3-0.

J.A. Happ would have his day end after six innings. Joakim Soria would give up a single to Todd Frazier. Soria would get the next three batters out, including two strikeouts.

In the bottom of the seventh, Gregory Polanco led off with a double off of Sam LeCure. Josh Harrison came to the plate next and hit a double to right field to score Polanco. The 4-0 lead would be all the Pirates would need.

Tony Watson would pitch the eighth inning and allow two hits but not give up a run. Mark Melancon would pitch the ninth and close out the game with a strike out.

What Stood Out

J.A. Happ picked up his eleventh win of the season, seven of the wins came as a Pirate.

Josh Harrison went three for four with an RBI and scored a run.

The Pittsburgh Pirates finish with a record of 98-64.

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