CINCINNATI -- Homer Bailey isn't ready to declare his comeback complete. But he's showing signs of turning the corner after having multiple arm surgeries.

On Friday night, Bailey allowed a run in five-plus innings, Zack Cozart homered twice, and Scott Schebler and Joey Votto each added a solo shot to lift the Cincinnati Reds to a 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the opener of a three-game series at Great American Ball Park.

Bailey (5-8), who returned in June after missing most of the past two seasons with injuries, walked two and struck out seven, helping the Reds (64-84) improve to 11-6 versus the Pirates this season.

"I liked the fastball command," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "He's had a lot of work on his elbow. I would wait until we get into next year (to declare him back). He looks a lot better."

The Pirates (68-80) have lost three straight games.

Pittsburgh starter Chad Kuhl (7-11) allowed a career-high four home runs through 4 2/3 innings. He walked three and struck out six.

The Pirates failed to cash in on scoring chances against the Reds' bullpen.

Pittsburgh loaded the bases against Bailey with two outs in the sixth, but Michael Lorenzen got Elias Diaz to ground out to first to end the inning.

"We couldn't string at-bats together," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "We saw 170 pitches tonight. It's hard to score only two runs when you see 170 pitches."

The Pirates had another opportunity against Lorenzen in the eighth with runners on first and second with one out. The Reds turned to closer Raisel Iglesias, who struck out consecutive batters to end the threat.

Iglesias, who leads the major leagues with 11 saves of at least 1 2/3 innings, allowed a run-scoring triple by Adam Frazier in the ninth but nailed down his 27th save.

"They challenged him," Price said. "Gave him good at-bats, but he was able to knock it down for us."

Votto crushed a Kuhl pitch into the right-field seats for his 35th home run, putting Cincinnati ahead 1-0 with two outs in the first inning.

The Pirates tied the score 1-1 in the third when they loaded the bases with one out and Jordan Luplow delivered a sacrifice fly.

Cozart put the Reds back ahead with solo home runs in consecutive at-bats against Kuhl. In the third, he belted his 21st home run on an 0-1 pitch. Cozart added his 22nd home run leading off the fifth on a 2-1 offering, making the score 3-1.

"He's really found his stride offensively in his 30s," Price said. "His approach has stayed the same and he's shown the power."

It was Cozart's fifth career multi-home run game, third this season. He has five homers in his past nine games.

With two outs in the fifth, Schebler made the score 4-1 with his 27th home run, the fourth of the night for Cincinnati.

"Four solo shots -- at least he kept the traffic off in front of them," Hurdle said. "The guys that hit them have been doing it. All four balls were lifted on mistakes that were up."

Kuhl hadn't allowed more than two home runs in a game in any of his starts this season. He gave up one home run in the entire months of April and July.

"They did some damage on balls out over the plate," Kuhl said. "Luckily, they were only solo shots. They're tough to swallow, but I'll take those over bigger ones any day."

Bailey was encouraged by his outing, in particular the fastball command. But he says he still needs to get through a full spring training healthy, which he hasn't done for three years.

"Usually at 90 pitches, I have another gear," Bailey said. "It's not like I'm tired out there, but I feel it. I'm still missing those preseason workouts."

NOTES: Pirates C Francisco Cervelli still hopes to return this season. He has been on the disabled list since Aug. 26 with left quad irritation. ... Reds CF Billy Hamilton, who is on the disabled list with a fractured left thumb, also hopes to return this season. He is wearing a splint for a few more days and then will be re-evaluated. ... Reds 2B Scooter Gennett has not played since leaving Tuesday's game in St. Louis with left hand inflammation. Jose Peraza started and went 1-for-3 with a walk in his place. Gennett was scheduled to take batting practice.