Reds Split Series with Pirates Behind Andujar's First Homer

Miguel Andujar hit his first home run with the Cincinnati Reds, contributing significantly to their 14-8 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, which allowed the Reds to split the four-game series. Andujar's three-run homer in the second inning and involvement in a key three-run rally in the sixth helped break a 4-4 tie, while Spencer Steer and Noelvi Marte each had three hits and four RBIs. The Reds combined efficient hitting with strong team efforts, including Steer's two-run homer and Marte's three-run homer later in the game, overcoming a late Pirates rally. Andujar, who was traded from the Athletics and had previously hit six homers this season, has produced a .965 OPS since returning from the injured list, demonstrating his offensive impact. Despite some solid hitting from the Pirates, including 16 hits led by Isiah Kiner-Falefa, the Reds maintained their streak of not being swept in a series, now at 40. The pitching performances included Reds starter Zach Littell allowing four runs in 4 1/3 innings and Pirates starter Mike Burrows lasting five innings with four runs allowed, while closer Emilio Pagán secured his 25th save for the Reds during the series.