Reds starting pitcher Jimmy Haynes. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        PITTSBURGH — Scott Williamson failed for the first time in seven attempts to convert a save, and the result was the Reds' 3-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park Wednesday night.

        Williamson came into the game in a very difficult situation. John Riedling had loaded the bases with one out in the eighth, hitting a batter and allowing two walks.

        Williamson walked the first batter he faced, Craig Wilson, on a 3-2 pitch to force in a run and help the Pirates pull to 2-1.

        Williamson got Adrian Brown on a fielder's choice, but Rob Mackowiak followed with a two-run single.

        “I made good pitches to Wilson and he kept fouling them off,” Williamson said. “But I got the next guy (Brown). Then I got up 0-2 on Mackowiak. I've got to put him away there.”

        Riedling (2-3) took the loss and the blame. “I made dumb pitches,” he said.

        The Reds fell to 74-78 and must go 7-3 in their remaining 10 games to finish at .500

        Ken Griffey Jr. made quite a splash in his return to the starting lineup — literally. His fourth-inning home run bounced off the walkway in right-center field and landed in the Allegheny River.

Ken Griffey, Jr. belts one into the Allegheny River. (AP photo) | ZOOM |

        It was Griffey's eighth home run of the year and the eighth ball to reach the water from PNC Park.

        The start was Griffey's first since Aug. 29. Hip flexor and quadriceps problems had limited him to pinch-hitting and one brief appearance in the outfield in the 18 games since.

        Griffey also singled and had a spectacular catch. He made a long run and timed his jump at the wall perfectly to take away extra bases from Craig Wilson in the seventh.

        Any notion that he's going to play it safe the rest of the season was gone with that play.

        “I only know one way to play,” Griffey said.

        Jose Guillen hit a solo homer in the sixth.

        It looked as if the Reds' 2-0 lead would hold up.

        Jimmy Haynes threw six shutout innings, allowing four hits, walking two and striking out four. But he became the victim of a blown save for the third time this season.

Pirates 3, Reds 2 Reds Box, Runs Radel: Cinergy Field Griffey returns to the lineup Reds notes: Boone rests Santiago suspended for bumping umpire Tawny Kitaen pleads down spousal abuse case Astros 3, Brewers 1 Cardinals 8, Rockies 5 Athletics 7, Angels 4 Diamondbacks 10, Padres 3 Giants 7, Dodgers 4 Mariners 3, Rangers 2, 10 innings

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