Phillips' two homers not enough for Reds as Nova wins in Pirates debut
PITTSBURGH (AP) Ivan Nova pitched seven innings to win his first start with Pittsburgh, Homer Bailey struggled in his second start since having Tommy John surgery and the Pirates beat the Cincinnati Reds 5-3 on Saturday night.
Nova (8-6) was acquired from the New York Yankees on Monday for two players to be named and gave up three runs and six hits with five strikeouts and no walks. He had spent his entire seven-year career with New York.
Nova pitched more than six innings just three times in 15 starts with the Yankees this season.
Bailey (1-1) allowed five runs in three innings.
Starling Marte welcomed reliever Josh Smith with a two-run single in the fourth to give the Pirates a 5-2 lead. Marte and Josh Harrison each had two hits for Pittsburgh, which entered three games out of the second NL wild card.
Tony Watson pitched a perfect ninth for his second save in three chances.
