PITTSBURGH — Matt Harvey isn’t racking up the wins for the Reds either.
Harvey was outdueled by Chad Kuhl who pitched six solid innings to win for the first time since May 6, a span of seven starts as the Pirates edged the Reds 3-2 Friday night.
The Pirates pulled ahead 3-2 in the sixth on consecutive sacrifice flies by Starling Marte and Colin Moran off reliever Michael Lorenzen. The runs were charged to Harvey (1-5), who was lifted after giving up back-to-back singles to pinch-hitter Elias Diaz and Josh Harrison to start the inning.
Harvey allowed three runs on four hits with two strikeouts and two walks.
The former Mets ace is 1-3 with a 5.09 ERA in seven starts since being traded to Cincinnati on May 8 after being designated for assignment.
Wandy Peralta relieved Harvey and hit Corey Dickerson, the only batter he faced, with a pitch. That left the bases loaded with none out for Lorenzen.
“I’m just frustrated about the whole outing,” Harvey said. “It was kind of a struggle the whole time. To have the lead going into the sixth inning and letting two guys get home is unacceptable and something I’m (upset) about.”
The Pirates’ last back-to-back wins came on May 16-17 against San Diego, which pushed them a season-high nine games over .500 at 26-17. They have gone 8-18 since and lost eight straight series.
“It was good for the team to open up the series with a win and hopefully we can win this series (Saturday),” Kuhl said.
Kuhl (5-4) gave up two runs, one earned, and six hits while striking out six and walking three. He allowed no more than three runs in any of his previous four outings.
“People who say wins are not important for pitchers are people who don’t pitch,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “There is value to it. Everybody likes a pat on the back. Everybody likes a reward. I don’t think that’s ever going to change in sport. If it does, then it will be time for me to get out.”
Felipe Vazquez held on in the ninth for his 13th save in 17 opportunities. Tucker Barnhart singled with two outs and pinch-runner Billy Hamilton stole second base before Joey Votto struck out swinging.
A sacrifice fly by Scooter Gennett in the third inning drew the Reds into a 1-1 tie and they went ahead in the fourth, scoring a run on a throwing error by Kuhl.
“I couldn’t believe it. I was in shock when I threw the ball away,” Kuhl of the first error of his three-year career. “I kind of went behind the mound and reset.”
Pittsburgh scored the game’s first run when Gregory Polanco grounded into a double play in the second inning.
The Reds lost despite outhitting the Pirates 7-5. They were 0 for 11 with runners in scoring position and stranded 10 baserunners.
Cincinnati’s Jose Peraza had two hits.
