PITTSBURGH — Brandon Phillips hit a solo home run in the 13th inning, pushing the Cincinnati Reds past the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-4 Thursday.
Cincinnati recorded a season-high 17 hits, including a game-tying, two-run homer by third baseman Todd Frazier in the seventh inning.
Reds right-hander Pedro Villarreal (1-2) pitched two scoreless innings to earn his first career win.
Pittsburgh right-hander Rob Scahill (2-4) allowed the game-winning home run.
Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen led off the bottom of the 12th with a double but advanced no further. He was the only Pittsburgh runner to move past first base in extra innings.
Cincinnati starter Anthony DeSclafani lasted six innings, and he gave up four runs (one earned) on six hits. DeSclafani walked two and struck out five.
Pirates starter A.J. Burnett also threw six innings. He yielded two runs (one earned) on eight hits and two walks with five strikeouts.
The Reds tied the game 4-4 in the seventh. First baseman Joey Votto singled and moved to third when Pittsburgh right fielder Josh Harrison misplayed the ball and allowed it to roll to the wall. Frazie followed with his 24th home run of the season.
The Pirates took a 4-2 lead in the sixth. McCutchen led off with a walk, advanced to second on third baseman Jung Ho Kang’s single and scored on catcher Francisco Cervelli’s base hit to right.
Cincinnati scored in the first inning for the third consecutive game.
Phillips reached base on an error by Kang, then stole second. The Reds second baseman scored on Frazier’s RBI single.
Phillips tripled with two outs in the second to drive home center fielder Billy Hamilton for a 2-0 Reds lead.
Pittsburgh responded with three runs in the bottom of the second. Second baseman Neil Walker drew a leadoff walk, and he was forced out on a Kang grounder. With two outs, Reds shortstop Eugenio Suarez booted a ground ball, putting runners at first and second.
Shortstop Jordy Mercer followed with a double that scored Cincinnati’s first run. Burnett singled home two runs with a line drive to center, putting the Pirates up 3-2.
NOTES: The start of the game was delayed 56 minutes due to rain. … Cincinnati LHP Aroldis Chapman was activated from paternity leave before the game. The Reds optioned INF Kristopher Negron to Triple-A Louisville after he hit .141 in 42 games. … LF Starling Marte was out of the Pirates’ lineup, getting a day off. … Cincinnati 2B Brandon Phillips (thumb) returned to the starting lineup after he missed Wednesday’s game.
