Marte's 1st grand slam rallies Pirates over Reds 6-5

By foxsports
Published

CINCINNATI (AP) Starling Marte hit his first career grand slam, connecting off new Reds closer J.J. Hoover and lifting the unbeaten Pittsburgh Pirates over Cincinnati 6-5 on a blustery Friday night.

The Pirates improved to 4-0 for the first time since 2003 by taking advantage of Cincinnati's unsettled back of the bullpen. The Reds lost for the first time.

Down 5-2, Pittsburgh loaded the bases in the eighth inning off Ross Ohlendorf, who hit a batter, walked another and gave up an infield hit with two outs. Hoover (0-1) came on for his first save opportunity since replacing closer Aroldis Chapman, who was traded to the Yankees in the offseason.

Marte hit Hoover's second pitch into the stands in left field, the Pirates' first homer of the season.

Ryan Vogelsong (1-0) gave up a pair of runs - one earned - in two innings. Mark Melancon pitched the ninth for his second save in as many chances.