Pirates 3, Reds 2: Jordy Mercer delivered the tiebreaking single and Jeff Locke allowed one hit over six innings as visiting Pittsburgh salvaged the finale of the three-game set.

Cincinnati’s Homer Bailey (5-9) struck out a career-high 12 but wilted in the seventh as Michael McKenry doubled to left-center field and scored on Mercer’s ground single to center. Jose Tabata added a pinch-hit single later in the inning to end Bailey’s afternoon and give the Pirates a 3-1 edge.

The Reds loaded the bases in the eighth before Mark Melancon induced Joey Votto to hit into a double play and retired Brandon Phillips on a grounder. Jason Grilli allowed a one-out single to Todd Frazier in the ninth before retiring the final two batters for his 30th save in 31 opportunities.

Pittsburgh’s Garrett Jones hit a one-out blast into the right-center field stands in the second inning. The Reds tied the score in the fifth on two walks, a sacrifice bunt by Bailey and a wild pitch by Locke (9-2).

Bailey allowed three runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings for his fifth loss in six decisions. His only victory during the stretch was a no-hitter against the San Francisco Giants on July 2.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Reds OF Shin-Soo Choo went 2-for-3 with a walk to extend his career-best hitting streak to 15 games. Choo’s leadoff infield single in the first inning was the lone Cincinnati hit against Locke. … Grilli’s only blown save of the campaign was against Cincinnati on June 19, when he allowed a game-tying homer to Jay Bruce. … Reds OF Ryan Ludwick (shoulder) is slated to begin a rehab stint at Single-A Dayton on Wednesday.