CINCINNATI (Interstat) — Oneil Cruz hit a two-run homer and the Pittsburgh Pirates dealt a blow to the Cincinnati Reds’ playoff hopes with a 4-2 victory on Tuesday night at Great American Ball Park.

The last-place Pirates, playing the role of spoiler, scored all four of their runs in the second inning against Reds starter Brady Singer (14-11) and held on as their bullpen stifled multiple Cincinnati rallies. The Reds, who entered the night tied with the New York Mets for the National League’s third wild-card spot, saw their record fall to 80-77. Pittsburgh improved to 68-89.

The game turned decisively in a wild second inning where both teams sent their entire lineup to the plate. After Singer retired the first batter, Jack Suwinski sparked the Pittsburgh rally with a double. Nick Yorke followed with an RBI single, and Alexander Canario doubled him home to make it 2-0. After a strikeout, Cruz connected for his 20th home run of the season, a fly ball to left field that scored Canario and gave the Pirates a 4-0 lead.

Cincinnati answered immediately in the bottom of the frame against Pirates starter Johan Oviedo. After a walk to Spencer Steer, Elly De La Cruz launched a two-run homer to right field, his 21st of the year, to cut the deficit to 4-2. That would prove to be the entirety of the Reds’ offense.

Oviedo settled in after the homer, ultimately pitching 4 2/3 innings, allowing two hits and two runs while striking out seven. He handed the game over to a Pirates bullpen that combined for 4 1/3 innings of scoreless, three-hit relief.

The Reds repeatedly threatened but could not overcome their own miscues and Pittsburgh’s sharp defense. Cincinnati grounded into three double plays, killing potential rallies in the sixth, seventh and ninth innings. In the seventh, a strikeout of Will Benson turned into a baserunner on a wild pitch, but Justin Lawrence induced an inning-ending 6-4-3 double play from pinch-hitter Sal Stewart.

Hunter Barco (1-0) earned the win in relief for Pittsburgh, recording the final out of the fifth inning. Dennis Santana pitched a perfect ninth for his 15th save of the season.

Singer took the loss for Cincinnati, lasting 5 1/3 innings and surrendering seven of Pittsburgh’s eight hits and all four runs. Reds relievers Connor Phillips and Scott Barlow combined for 3 2/3 hitless innings, but the Cincinnati offense could not capitalize.

De La Cruz was the lone bright spot for the Reds, finishing a perfect 3 for 3 with the home run, two RBIs, and a walk.

The game, played in 2 hours, 33 minutes, was a surprise result after Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 6-3 Cincinnati victory, giving the Reds a 58.4% probability to win.

The two teams continue their three-game series on Wednesday night. The loss puts increased pressure on the Reds as they cling to postseason aspirations with just five games remaining in the regular season.