The Pirates moved within 1 1/2 games of the Reds in their battle to avoid last place in the National League Central.

The game was tied at 4-4 going into the eighth, but Nate McLouth opened the inning with a single off losing pitcher Jeremy Affeldt (1-1). McLouth then stole second and went to third on a throwing error.

After Ryan Doumit drew a walk, LaRoche drove in McLouth with a single to right. Doumit scored later in the inning on a base hit by Andy LaRoche.

The win went to Tyler Yates (5-3), who retired two batters in the bottom of the seventh. Matt Capps worked the ninth for his 19th save.

Joey Votto and Chris Dickerson hit solo homers for Cincinnati.