Pirates 5 - 0 Reds
Final
  for this game

Morton throws shutout, Pirates top Reds

May 19, 2011 - 3:42 AM

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Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) - Charlie Morton tossed his second career shutout, leading the Pittsburgh Pirates past the Cincinnati Reds, 5-0, in the opener of a two-game series from Great American Ball Park.

Morton (5-1) allowed five hits and two walks while striking out five as the Pirates ended a season-high six-game losing streak. Of Morton's three career complete games, two have come this season at Great American Ball Park.

"For me, that's the best thing I can do," said Morton. "I mean, that's the most rewarding thing in my eyes that a starter can do, is go out there and throw a complete game. So I feel like I did my job."

Pedro Alvarez and Andrew McCutchen provided the offense with three- and two- run homers, respectively.

Bronson Arroyo (3-4) took the loss for the Reds, who had a five-game winning streak snapped. In seven innings, Arroyo surrendered all five of Pittsburgh's runs, allowing seven hits, including both home runs.

"What are you gonna do, man? The guy was throwing a great game," Arroyo said of Morton. "Even if I would of kept us closer, it didn't look like it was gonna make a whole lot of difference."

The loss also ended a seven-game home win streak, Cincinnati's longest since 2009. The Reds left six men on base and were 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position.

Alvarez gave the Pirates a 3-0 lead in the fourth, ripping a belt-high changeup deep into the right field stands. The home run -- his second of the year -- brought home Neil Walker and Lyle Overbay.

In the seventh, following a Ronny Cedeno leadoff double, McCutchen provided insurance with a two-run blast to left.

Cedeno and Overbay both went 2-for-4 in the win.

Cincinnati's most significant scoring threat came in the opening frame, as Brandon Phillips ripped a two-out double to right, placing runners at second and third. The following batter, Scott Rolen, failed to capitalize, popping out in foul territory to end the inning.

Game Notes

Pittsburgh has won four of five against Cincinnati this season...Morton's last complete game came in a 6-1 victory over the Reds on April 15...Last season, Morton posted a 2-12 record with a 7.57 ERA in 17 starts for the Pirates...Arroyo has allowed 10 home runs this season.






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