Hamilton’s three-run homer breaks drought, lifts Reds
CINCINNATI — Billy Hamilton didn't even know how long it had been since he circled the bases.
The Reds' speedy leadoff hitter ended one of the major leagues' longest home run droughts with a threerun shot, and Devin Mesoraco hit his first in more than two years, powering Cincinnati to a 7-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night.
The Reds have won five of six against the Pirates.
Eugenio Suarez started the Reds' surge with a three-run homer in the first inning off Jameson Taillon (2-1). Hamilton hit his first homer since June 28 — a streak of 319 at-bats that was the third-longest active drought in the majors — just inside the right-field pole for a 6-0 lead in the fourth inning.
"I had no idea," Hamilton said of his long streak. "I know now. It could have gone 300 more (at-bats) as long as I was getting base hits and getting on base."
Hamilton's last homer was off the Cubs' Jon Lester. The major leaguers with longer homerless streaks are Pete Kozma of Texas (537 at-bats) and Adeiny Hechavarria of Miami (411 at-bats).
Hamilton has found plenty of ways to hurt the Pirates, including a game-ending double in the 10th inning for a 4-3 victory on Monday. "He continues to be more than a rock in our shoe," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said.
Tallion gave up eight hits and six runs in five innings.
"I was putting guys on after putting myself in a good position," Tallion said. "If there are no runners on, then home runs don't beat you, but two three-run homers do."
Mesoraco missed most of the last two seasons because of surgery on his hip and shoulder. He connected for a solo shot in the sixth off Trevor Williams, the catcher's first homer since Sept. 23, 2014.
Rookie Davis (1-1) repeatedly escaped threats to get his first victory in the majors. The Pirates left the bases loaded in the second and the fourth. Davis lasted five innings, allowing four hits and three walks.
"He had to work for it," manager Bryan Price said. "Nothing came easy for him."
One day after they matched their season high with 12 runs, the Pirates couldn't get a hit with runners in scoring position, going 0 for 8. Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run homer in the seventh off Cody Reed.