Audi-News » Scottie Wilbekin sat on the bench for the final minute, ho

PITTSBURGH -- The Cincinnati Reds likely envisioned themselves in the thick of a pennant race as the calendar turned to September. Yet, theyre five games under .500 after injuries wreaked havoc on one of baseballs more talented rosters. Even Johnny Cueto, one of the games best pitchers, hasnt been immune to the tough times endured by the Reds this season. On Sunday, Cueto overcame an early jolt to earn his 16th win and Chris Heisey hit two home runs, including a tiebreaking shot in the ninth inning, as the Reds beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2. Cueto (16-8) gave up a home run to Josh Harrison on his first pitch of the game. Jordy Mercer homered off Cueto in the second for a 2-0 lead. "I was just ready to hit," Harrison said. "Hes a strike-thrower. Sometimes when you face a guy you get familiar and you see some pitches out of his hand really well." Cueto wound up pitching eight innings and tied Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw for the major league lead in victories. Cueto worked around nine hits, striking out six and walking one. "I feel happy because I have 16 wins," Cueto said. "But at this point, with everything that happened to us, all Ive got to do is just look ahead." Said manager Bryan Price: "Hes pitched in some tough luck this year." "Hes been outstanding and arguably the best in the National League for me, if not the best without question," Price said. Price credits his aces results with the mental strength Cueto has displayed during an arduous season. "Ive had guys that have lost the anticipation of being able to win," Price said. "That cant happen. Its unacceptable and hes never given in to that perception, that he doesnt have a great chance to win every time he takes the mound even though weve had a challenging year." Heiseys solo drive with one out in the ninth off Jared Hughes (6-5) helped the Reds avoid getting swept at PNC Park. Heisey began the day with just five homers in 229 at-bats this year. "Its been a challenging year for him," Price said. "I dont think hes accomplished what he set out to do this year." Aroldis Chapman struck out two in a perfect ninth for his 29th save. Heisey tied the game at 2 in the fifth, connecting after Ryan Ludwick drew a leadoff walk from Francisco Liriano. Heisey finished 2 for 4 and drove in all three of Cincinnatis runs. "It feels good to help the team get a W," Heisey said. "We needed one today after losing the first ones. We couldnt have done it without the way Johnny Cueto pitched today. Hes the definition of an ace in the big leagues." Liriano cruised through his first four innings, throwing an efficient 43 pitches before he ran into trouble in the fifth. Cincinnatis first hit off Liriano didnt come until Todd Frazier singled with two outs in the fourth. Liriano threw a season-high 111 pitches over seven innings. He gave up two runs, five hits, three walks and struck out five. "Everything was working down," Liriano said. "I was using the inside half of the plate, down-and-in and everything was down. I just made a mistake." TRAINERS ROOM Reds: C Devin Mesoraco and OF Jay Bruce were out of the starting lineup. Bruce came in as a defensive replacement in the ninth. Pirates: RHP Charlie Morton (hip) threw a bullpen session before the game. He made a rehab start Thursday for Double-A Altoona. ... RHP Stolmy Pimentel (ankle) is nearing a return after throwing two innings for Altoona on Friday. ... 1B-3B Pedro Alvarez (foot sprain) began hitting off a tee. ... OF Travis Snider (hamstring) has not played since Wednesday and is still day-to-day. UP NEXT Reds: After an off-day, Cincinnati starts a three-game set at Baltimore on Tuesday night. RHP Mat Latos (5-3, 3.15 ERA) opens for the Reds against RHP Bud Norris (11-8, 4.00). Pirates: Pittsburgh begins a 10-game road trip Monday with a three-game series in St. Louis. RHP Gerrit Cole (7-4, 3.65) opposes Cardinals RHP Lance Lynn (14-8, 2.79) in a rematch of the matchup that the Pirates won 5-2 on Aug. 26. SPEEDY Reds OF Billy Hamilton stole his 54th base of the season in the seventh inning, tying the Reds rookie record for stolen bases in a season. Bob Bescher stole 54 in 1909. BUSINESS OF BASEBALL Prior to the game, the Reds traded reliever Jonathan Broxton to the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers. Price said Broxtons presence will be greatly missed. "He may be the best Ive ever had in the bullpen as far as being professional and preparing the right way and showing everybody else how to get it done," Price said. Jose Berrios Twins Jersey . A top pitching prospect, one who the ball club is pinning some of its future hopes, takes the spot of a veteran who once was viewed as a future ace but who, to this point, hasnt realized his potential and may never. Harmon Killebrew Jersey . He left in the 4th inning of Saturdays game against the Tigers after experiencing tightness. Reyes and the team still hope that he will be ready for Opening Day in Tampa Bay in one week. http://www.twinssale.com/twins-michael-pineda-jersey/ . -- Scottie Wilbekin sat on the bench for the final minute, holding a bag of ice against his left knee. Paul Molitor Twins Jersey . That assertion is getting harder and harder to make, especially given the way 23-year-old Danilo Gallinari has been playing this season. Custom Minnesota Twins Jerseys . Nathan Beaulieu, Tomas Jurco, Danick Gauthier and Jonathan Huberdeau had a goal and an assist each as the Sea Dogs extended the longest streak in the Canadian Hockey League this season.The Columbus Blue Jackets have re-signed goaltender Curtis McElhinney to a one-year contract extension, the team announced Monday. The 31-year-old posted a 10-11-1 record with a 2.78 goals against average and a .909 savee percentage, while appearing in 28 games.dddddddddddd In 97 career games with the Flames, Ducks, Senators, Coyotes and Blue Jackets, McElhinney has a 29-37-9 record with a 2.97 GAA and .902 save percentage. ' ' '