Cincinnati Reds Edge Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1 at PNC Park

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds split a four-game MLB series at PNC Park, with the Pirates winning the first two games but dropping the final two. The Pirates showcased strong offensive efforts, including Bryan Reynolds' pivotal two-run triple in the series opener, but struggled with pitching consistency, notably in the series finale where rookie Mike Burrows allowed multiple runs. The Reds managed to capitalize on timely hitting and more effective pitching performances, including strong starts from Nick Martinez and clutch relief by Tony Santillan, securing narrow victories in the last two games. Despite the Pirates taking early leads in some games, the Reds' resilience and ability to score in key moments, such as Noelvi Marte's contributions, helped them avoid a series sweep. The series outcomes impacted standings, with the Pirates falling to 51-68 overall and the Reds improving to 62-57, maintaining their competitive pace in the National League wild card race. Overall, the series highlighted Pittsburgh's offensive potential tempered by pitching struggles and Cincinnati's persistent fight to stay relevant late in the season.