SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) -With another sharp outing, Paul Maholm extended his scoreless streak to 15 2-3 innings and strengthened his bid to become the Pittsburgh Pirates' opening-day starter.

``I think everybody knows it will be Paul,' Pittsburgh manager John Russell said after Saturday's 6-5 victory over Cincinnati, which sent the Reds to their seventh straight loss. ``We haven't announced anything officially, but we're leaning that way.'

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Maholm allowed three hits in six innings, struck out four and walked none. He has given up one run in 19 2-3 innings this spring training.

``I'm waiting for that bad outing,' Maholm said. ``I know it's going to come. I want to get it out of the way. I just need to continue to prepare and sharpen up a few things. Then in April, if I have to make an adjustment, it will be a small one.'

Nate McLouth broke a scoreless tie with his third home run of spring training, a fourth-inning drive off Homer Bailey.

Bailey started his first Grapefruit League game since March 11 - his previous turn fell on a Reds' off-day. He allowed three runs, four hits and two walks in 4 2-3 innings.

``My stuff was average,' Bailey said. ``At the end, I started rushing a little bit. I thought, Ok, that's what I need to work on tomorrow.'

If Bailey does not win the fifth spot in the rotation, the Reds may send him to the bullpen.

``I've never done it,' he said. ``It would be an adjustment, but with the veterans we have in the bullpen, I don't think it will be as big of an adjustment as I think.'

Cincinnati's relievers include David Weathers and Arthur Rhodes.

``If he is in the bullpen, he'd be long reliever,' Cincinnati manager Dusty Baker said. ``That's how a lot of teams break in guys.'

Notes: Cincinnati OF Norris Hopper was sent home Friday with bronchitis. ... Reds INF Brandon Phillips was scratched from the lineup Saturday with flu-like symptoms. ... Reds closer Francisco Cordero pitched against the Orioles minor league team. He threw one inning, allowed a hit and struck out two. ... Pittsburgh 1B Andy Phillips had an MRI, and he has a couple of bulging disks in his back. ``We'll wait until they quiet down before we get him back in there,' Russell said. ``A lot of people have them. He's doing his exercises.'