The Reds helped the Pirates almost double their total number of runs for the 2006 season with a 3-9 loss on Tuesday at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

Aaron Harang started for the Reds and had any opening-day-esque performance, giving up seven runs (three earned) on six hits and three walks through four and third innings of work. Though, to be fair, it felt like much more than that.

Matt Belisle came in to provide “long relief,” if that's what you call one and two thirds innings these days. He allowed no runs on a hit, and walked two. Mike Burns struck out two but also allowed three hits en route to a scoreless seventh. Brian “Ram” Shackelford gave up two runs on three hits and a walk in the eighth.

The world's most potent offense made a mark on only one inning: the eighth. Scott Hatteberg demonstrated offensive prowess by being hit by a pitch but was forced out at second on Brandon Phillips' fielder's choice. David Ross hit a home run to left field to give the Reds their first two runs and Felipe Lopez hit one to center to give the Reds their last run. Edwin Encarnación flied out and Quinton McCracken grounded out to bring back that old familiar feeling of futility.

The loss brings the Reds record to 23-16 and their losing streak to four. The Reds send Bronson Arroyo to the mound to chase number five tonight at 7:05 p.m. He faces Oliver Perez.