CINCINNATI – The Reds own the best record in the majors so far this season after tying for the worst record in the National League last year.
The Reds won their fourth in a row and improved to 7-2 by hammering the Pirates, 9-2 in Pittsburgh. Reds rookie Amir Garrett carried a shutout into the seventh and allowed five hits while striking out five in 6 2/3 innings. Garrett opened the season with 12 consecutive scoreless innings before David Freese belted a two-run homer.
Jose Peraza had three of the Reds’ 15 hits, including a two-run double that capped the Reds’ four-run fourth. Eugenio Suarez added three hits and three RBIs to the rout.
Cincinnati outscored the Bucs 21-5 in sweeping the three-game series.