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Reds 11, Pirates 3

 
Published Sept. 23, 2013

PITTSBURGH — Rookie Billy Hamilton got three hits and stole two more bases as the Reds routed the Pirates 11-3 Sunday to tie Pittsburgh for the NL wild-card lead.

Batting right behind Hamilton at No. 2, Chris Heisey had three hits and two RBIs as Cincinnati won two of three in the series.

"Those guys set up some big innings," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "You need guys in your lineup to drive in runs but it's just as important to have guys to get on base so they can be driven in."

The Reds and Pirates have magic numbers of two to clinch playoff spots.

Jay Bruce hit a three-run double and Todd Frazier followed with a homer that capped a five-run first inning for the Reds, who won for the fifth time in six games.

"We knew it was an important series, they knew it was an important series and our guys responded and jumped them early," Baker said.