The Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates are set to face off in what promises to be another exciting pitchers’ duel. Both teams have young, talented pitchers who have been making waves in the league. The Reds and Pirates are currently tied for third place in the National League Central standings, adding extra intensity to their upcoming game.
In the previous game of the series, the Reds managed to even the score with a 2-1 victory, thanks to a stellar performance from Nick Lodolo, who pitched seven strong innings. On the other side, the Pirates’ Ke’Bryan Hayes hit a home run but the team was limited to just four hits in the loss.
Both managers, Derek Shelton of the Pirates and David Bell of the Reds, acknowledge the strength of the opposing team’s pitching staff. The Pirates have added rookies Paul Skenes and Jared Jones to their rotation, while the Reds will rely on Hunter Greene to start in the series finale. Greene has been on a hot streak, winning his last five decisions and maintaining an impressive ERA.
The Pirates will counter with Mitch Keller, who had his six-game winning streak snapped in his last outing. Keller has been solid for the Pirates, but will face a tough challenge against the Reds lineup. Jonathan India and Bryan Reynolds will be key players to watch in this matchup, as they have been producing at the plate for their respective teams.
Injury concerns are also present for both teams, with Reds center fielder TJ Friedl dealing with hamstring tightness and first baseman Jeimer Candelario listed as day-to-day with tendinitis. Both managers are hopeful that their players will be able to return to the lineup soon without needing to be placed on the injured list.
As the Reds and Pirates gear up for their crucial game, fans can expect another thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. The outcome of this game could have implications on the standings in the National League Central, making it a must-watch for baseball enthusiasts.