//Pirates connect 3 times off DeSclafani, roll 9-6 over Reds

Pirates connect 3 times off DeSclafani, roll 9-6 over Reds

CINCINNATI (AP) Adam Frazier hit the first of three homers off Anthony DeSclafani, who hasn’t beaten Pittsburgh in his last seven tries, and the Pirates returned from a three-day layoff with a flourish, beating the Cincinnati Reds 9-6 Thursday night.

Pittsburgh’s three-game series in St. Louis was called off because of the Cardinals’ COVID-19 outbreak. The Pirates showed no rust against a pitcher they’ve dominated.

”Was it the boost we needed? Sure,” said Trevor Williams (1-3), who went five innings. ”In combination with the three days off, it was pretty nice for us.”

DeSclafani (1-1) didn’t allow a run in either of his first two starts this season. Frazier connected on the right-hander’s second pitch Thursday, and the Pirates surged to a 9-0 lead after two innings.

”It seemed like they were on everything,” Reds manager David Bell said. ”We hated to keep him out there, but he’s such a good pitcher.