Cole unable to solve Reds as Bucs drop finale

PITTSBURGH — Billy Hamilton ran wild on the bases and in the outfield, extending Gerrit Cole’s career-long struggles against Cincinnati and leading the Reds to a 7-3 win over the Pirates on Sunday afternoon at PNC Park.

Hamilton went 3-for-4 with a walk, and he took advantage of his time on the bases. The speedy center fielder — who showcased his athleticism with a running, twisting grab to rob Eric Fryer in the third inning — twice swiped both second and third base, his fourth career four-steal game. Hamilton came around to score three times, sparking the Reds’ attack against Cole. Pittsburgh’s ace remains winless against Cincinnati in eight career starts after allowing four runs in 5 2/3 innings, carrying a 5.44 ERA against the Reds and a 2.85 mark against the rest of the league.

Reds right-hander Dan Straily turned in a quality start, pitching four perfect innings to start the game and ultimately allowing two runs on three hits over six innings. The Reds added to their lead in the seventh, scoring three runs off Pirates relievers Jared Hughes and Curtis Partch, and avoided a sweep. The Pirates, meanwhile, fell back to one game above .500 and 2 1/2 games behind the Marlins and Cardinals in the National League Wild Card standings.

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