Pirates notebook

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Windy conditions and less-than-stellar pitching contributed to today's 13-8 marathon Pirates victory against the Reds at Ed Smith Stadium.
Pittsburgh starter John Van Benschoten had a rocky outing, giving up four runs in three innings, including a three-run home run by Brandon Phillips, who drove in five runs.
The Pirates rallied with seven runs in the top of the fourth. Jack Wilson had two singles and two RBIs in the frame and Neil Walker had a two-run double, one of his two doubles in the game. Walker scored from second base in the ninth on a wild pitch.
Designated hitter Freddy Sanchez was 3-for-5 with two RBIs.
The Pirates got a scare in the sixth when Nate McLouth was hit by a pitch by Scott Sauerbeck while squaring to bunt. McLouth turned around quickly when he saw the pitch was inside and only took a glancing blow off his arm. Kevin Thompson replaced him as a pinch-runner, but McLouth was OK.

Quote of the day: "The wind was so bad, it was worse than playing in Candlestick Park." -- Pirates manager John Russell on the conditions during today's 13-8 victory against the Reds at Ed Smith Stadium, comparing the 40-miles per hour-plus gusts to the former home of the San Francisco Giants.

Streaking, slumping: Pirates designated hitter Freddy Sanchez went 3-for-5 in this afternoon's game with two RBIs, raising his batting average to .391. Shortstop Brian Bixler, who is scheduled to start tonight, is batting .100 (1-for-10) after going 0-for-2.

Up next: The Twins visit McKechnie Field on Saturday for a 1:05 p.m. game against the Pirates. Matt Morris is scheduled to start for Pittsburgh against Scott Baker, with Yoslan Herrera, Evan Meek, Sean Burnett, Franquelis Osoria and Matt Capps in relief for the Pirates.