PITTSBURGH -- Backed by home runs from Josh Harrison and Matt Joyce, right-hander Juan Nicasio delivered the Pirates' finest start of the season in a 4-1 win over the Reds on Friday night at PNC Park.
Nicasio fired seven scoreless innings, holding Cincinnati to three hits and a walk while striking out eight batters. Challenged earlier this month to work quickly and be more efficient, Nicasio did both in his fifth start of the season. He retired the final nine Reds he faced and needed only 97 pitches to deliver Pittsburgh's second seven-inning start of the year.