Pirates Sweep Reds 1-0 on Cruz RBI Single

PITTSBURGH - Oneil Cruz delivered a two-out RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning, lifting the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 1-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday and completing a three-game series sweep at PNC Park.

The win came a day after Pittsburgh pitchers issued a major league-record-tying seven straight walks in a game against St. Louis. Gregory Soto (3-0) earned the victory by retiring the final four batters, including a perfect ninth inning, after starter Braxton Ashcraft delivered the longest outing of his career.

Ashcraft, a 26-year-old right-hander, pitched 7 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing four hits, two walks and six strikeouts. He navigated a tense top of the eighth with runners on second and third and one out, as Matt McLain grounded into a fielder's choice and third baseman Nick Gonzales threw out Spencer Steer at the plate. The Pirates also benefited from strong defense earlier, with second baseman Nick Gonzales contributing to key plays behind Ashcraft.

Reds rookie Chase Burns matched Ashcraft in a pitchers' duel, working seven-plus innings and permitting three hits, one walk and seven strikeouts. The 23-year-old right-hander, whose fastball...