Pirates pitcher Gerrit Cole took the loss Wednesday, allowing three earned runs on eight hits and two walks in five innings while striking out four in his team's 3-0 defeat against the Reds.
"He pitched a good ballgame," manager Clint Hurdle said, per MLB.com. "He got into a couple of tough spots. But there's no shame in what he did tonight. He battled and went after it, like he always does."
Cole (4-1) earned wins in four straight starts coming into Wednesday's start, giving up a total of three earned runs during that stretch. He matched that number against the Reds, allowing a pair of runs in the fourth inning and another on a solo home run in the fifth. It was just the second home run allowed by the righty this season.
Cole owns a 2.27 ERA and 39:10 K:BB ratio in 35 2/3 innings. He's slated to face the Phillies Monday.