CINCINNATI (AP) — Third baseman Scott Rolen’s error with two outs in the 10th inning gave San Francisco the go-ahead run, and the Giants edged the Cincinnati Reds 2-1 Tuesday night to cut their NL playoff deficit to 2-1.

The Giants avoided a division series sweep when Rolen, an eight-time Gold Glove winner, bobbled Joaquin Arias’ short-hop grounder and threw late to first.

San Francisco was held hitless into the sixth by Homer Bailey, managed only three hits overall and struck out 16 times.

But the Giants got two hits in the 10th and were helped by a passed ball.

Left-hander Barry Zito will start Game 4 on Wednesday for the Giants. The Reds have to decide whether to try ace Johnny Cueto, forced out of the opener with spasms in his back and side.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.