PITTSBURGH, Pa. (WMDJ) — The Cincinnati Reds couldn’t complete a series sweep Sunday afternoon, falling to the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-4 at PNC Park.

Pittsburgh struck first with a four-run second inning, highlighted by Tyler Callihan’s three-run homer after an RBI ground-rule double by Esmerlyn Valdez.

The Reds battled back, scoring twice in the fourth on JJ Bleday’s two-run single before tying the game in the fifth. Tyler Stephenson doubled home Noelvi Marte, and Edwin Arroyo followed with an RBI single to even the score at 4-4.

The tie didn’t last long.

Ryan O’Hearn put Pittsburgh back in front with a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth, then delivered the knockout blow in the eighth with a three-run homer. Valdez followed with a solo shot later in the inning as the Pirates pulled away.

Reds starter Brady Singer allowed five runs on nine hits over 4 1/3 innings while striking out six and fell to 3-7 on the season. Chase Petty, Julian Garcia, Zach  McCambley and Brock Burke combined to keep the game close before Pierce Johnson surrendered four runs in the eighth inning.

At the plate, Sal Stewart and Tyler Stephenson each collected two hits. Bleday drove in two runs, while Stephenson and Arroyo added one RBI apiece.

The Reds also received an injury scare in the sixth inning when Eugenio Suárez was hit on the hand by a pitch. He initially remained in the game but was later replaced by Nathaniel Lowe as a pinch hitter. X-rays on Suarez's hand were inconclusive and will be getting a CT scan tomorrow.

The Reds won’t have much time to regroup as they travel to Milwaukee to open a four-game series against the first-place Brewers Monday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 p.m., with pregame coverage beginning at 7:10 p.m. on WMDJ FM 100.1.