Martin, Byrd, Liriano Lead Pirates in WIn Over Reds

Francisco Liriano tossed seven dominant innings and the Pittsburgh Pirates powered  past Cincinnati Reds 6-2 in the NL wild-card game Tuesday night . The Pirates will now travel to St Louis to face the St Louis Cardinals in the NL Division Series. Russell Martin hit two home runs, Marlon Byrd also connected and Andrew McCutchen reached base four times for Pittsburgh.

“We’re for real,” McCutchen said. “We’re definitely for real.”

Cincinnati starter Johnny Cueto struggled in his third start since coming off the disabled list last month. Cueto gave up four runs in 3 1-3 innings and appeared rattled by a raucous ballpark that taunted him by chanting his name.

“He couldn’t get the ball where he wanted,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said. “Usually he can throw that ball through the eye of a needle. Tonight he was up.” Cincinnati spent most of the season as the third team in a three-way race with the Pirates and the Cardinals for the NL Central title. They’ll end the year as the first one heading home.

Shin-Soo Choo homered, Jay Bruce has one RBI and Ryan Ludwick had three hits for the Reds.

A.J. Burnett will start for the Pirates in Game 1 against Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright.