Marlon Byrd came up to the plate with two outs and runners on first and second and a full count. Pirates closer Mark Melancon has put together 21 consecutive scoreless appearances and hasn’t allowed an earned run since May 11. Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips leadoff the inning with a hit and Jason Bourgeois moved him into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt. Joey Votto then walked and Todd Frazier ripped a single past third baseman Aramis Ramirez glove. Starling Marte took the one-hopper and fired it home to catcher Francisco Cervelli, who applied the tag to Phillips. Votto moved up to second as the potential tying run and Byrd stepped up to the plate.
With his streak in danger and Byrd having the advantage in the count, Melancon delivered a 3-2 knuckle curve to the outfielder, who lined a shot into left field. Marte moved to his right and dove, grabbing the liner before it hit the ground and tied up the game or worse. The Pirates walked away winners and Melancon’s scoreless streak was keep alive.
