Andrew McCutchen’s bases-loaded double with two outs in the ninth gave the Pittsburgh Pirates a 3-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday.

McCutchen was down to his last strike, but lined a 1-2 fastball from Cincinnati closer Francisco Cordero (6-5) to give Pittsburgh the lead and avoid a three-game of the National League Central leaders.

Cordero got himself into trouble by giving up a leadoff walk to John Bowker and then a single by Ryan Doumit. After a failed sacrifice bunt by Ryan Doumit, Garrett Jones singled to center, loading the bases. Jose Tabata grounded into a fielder’s choice, setting the stage for McCutchen’s two-out heroics.

Cincinnati’s bullpen blew the lead in all three games of the series. Cordero blew the save on Friday by allowing two runs to score in the top of ninth and Pittsburgh scored four runs in the eighth inning Saturday to erase a 4-0 deficit.

The latest meltdown ruined a brilliant effort by starter Johnny Cueto, who struck out seven while allowing only three hits and two walks for the Reds.

The comeback also lets Pittsburgh’s Brian Burres off the hook, who went seven innings, allowing one run on four hits and a walk while striking out six but was due to suffer the loss.

Chan Ho Park (3-2) gets the win with an inning of scoreless relief.

Joel Hanrahan loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth, but struck out Chris Heisey for his fifth save of the season.

The Reds’ only run came in the fourth inning, when Burres allowed a leadoff double to Orlando Cabrera and Votto followed with another double, tallying his 102nd RBI of the season to tie Albert Pujols for the National-League lead.

Pittsburgh’s Neil Walker hit a single in the first inning to extend his hitting streak to 18 games.