On Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Pirates are gearing up to face the Cincinnati Reds in a crucial game to break the tie in their series. After the Reds claimed victory in the opener with a score of 11-5, the Pirates fought back and secured a 9-5 win on Tuesday. This sets the stage for an intense showdown as both teams look to gain the upper hand.
The Pirates have shown their strength in recent matchups against the Reds, winning 10 out of their last 15 games, including three out of five this season. Infielder Nick Gonzales broke out of a slump with an impressive three-hit performance, while Bryan Reynolds continued his hot streak with a career-best 22-game hitting streak. Reynolds’ remarkable feat is the longest in the majors this year and the longest by a Pirate since 2003.
However, the Reds are facing their own challenges with injuries impacting their roster. Ace left-hander Nick Lodolo landed on the injured list for the second time this season due to a blister on his finger, while TJ Friedl also returned to the IL with a hamstring strain. Despite these setbacks, the Reds welcomed 26-year-old right-hander Yosver Zulueta to the major leagues, showcasing his talent and composure on the mound.
As the teams prepare for the decisive game, the starting pitchers have been announced. The Pirates will rely on right-hander Luis L. Ortiz, who will make his first start of the year after a series of bullpen appearances. Ortiz will look to bounce back from a tough outing against the Tampa Bay Rays and maintain his strong track record against the Reds.
On the other side, the Reds will turn to right-hander Graham Ashcraft, who is being called up from Triple-A Louisville. Ashcraft will be making his 13th start of the season, aiming to prove himself after a challenging stretch in his previous outings. With a solid record against the Pirates, Ashcraft will look to stifle their lineup and lead the Reds to victory.
Both teams are eager to secure a win in this crucial matchup, and fans can expect an intense battle on the field. As the Pirates and Reds face off, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to their series as they vie for supremacy in the division. Stay tuned for all the action and excitement as the game unfolds.