The Pittsburgh Pirates aim for back-to-back wins against the Cincinnati Reds on May 2, 2026, after ending a five-game losing streak. The game will take place at PNC Park. The Reds are struggling with injuries to key players, impacting their performance.
The Pirates snapped their losing streak with a decisive 9-1 victory over the Reds on May 1. Bryan Reynolds contributed significantly by hitting a home run, bringing his total to three home runs this season against Cincinnati. The Pirates hit four home runs in that game.
Key player statistics:
- Carmen Mlodzinski is starting for the Pirates with a record of 1-2 and an ERA of 4.13.
- Rhett Lowder is starting for the Reds with a record of 3-1 and an ERA of 3.18.
- Oneil Cruz has nine home runs this season, ranking 10th in the league.
- Elly De La Cruz has ten home runs this season, ranking 6th in the league.
- Sal Stewart leads MLB with 29 RBIs this season.
The Reds have won ten of their first fourteen road games this season. However, they face challenges due to injuries that may affect their lineup. The Pirates hold a record of 15-6 when scoring first but struggle with a record of only 2-10 when opponents score first.
The game is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the match live on Apple TV. Both teams are currently positioned in the NL Central, with the Pirates at 17-16 and fifth place, while the Reds are at 20-12 and second in the division.
Rhett Lowder expressed his determination to improve, stating, “I’m just trying to keep getting better and be the best pitcher I can be.” Meanwhile, Carmen Mlodzinski emphasized teamwork by saying, “I’m just trying to be better this year than last year…”
The NL Central has been competitive this season, with all five teams maintaining records above .500 for weeks. This match between the Reds and Pirates is crucial for both teams as they navigate their respective challenges and aspirations within the division.
