5/28 Recap | Pirates 4 Reds 1

James McDonald continued his tremendous 2012 season with another great start this afternoon. James pitched eight innings of shut out ball, only allowing five hits, while striking out five. His ERA stands at 2.20 and he is top five in the National League in strikeouts and has clearly been the best Pirates starting pitcher thus far. Tony Watson was not able to preserve the shutout and was pulled from the game with two outs in the ninth, which lead to Joel Hanrahan picking up his twelfth save.

Everyone in the Pirates starting lineup registered a hit, with the exception of Clint Barmes and James McDonald. Pedro Alvarez had two doubles and a RBI and Neil Walker picked up two hits and a RBI as well. Rod Barajas and Garrett Jones each contributed RBI singles and it resulted in the Pirates picking up their fourth straight win.

The Pirates have put together their longest winning streak of the season, and are back up to .500 with a record of 24-24. They have two chances left to win the series with night games on Tuesday and Wednesday.