CINCINNATI, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- Pinch-hitter Rob Mackowiak's two-run homer in the ninth Wednesday night lifted Pittsburgh to a 3-2 victory over Cincinnati.
Batting for rookie Jason Bay, Mackowiak hit his fourth homer since being recalled from Class AAA Nashville on Aug. 19. Mackowiak's sixth homer of the season gave the Pirates their seventh win in eight games at Great American Ball Park this season.
The Reds failed to protect a 2-1 lead as Craig Wilson led off the ninth with a single off closer Chris Reitsma (9-5). After Wilson's hit, Mackowiak crushed the righthander's 2-0 offering to right.
Mike Lincoln (3-4) pitched the eighth for the victory. Mike Gonzalez started the ninth, then was relieved by Julian Tavarez after Russell Branyan struck out but reached on an error by catcher Jason Kendall.
Tavarez came on and retired all three batters he faced.
