The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-5 last night in their three-game series opener. Pirates starting pitcher Bailey Falter failed to pitch beyond the fourth inning for the third time in his last four starts. The Reds tagged him for five runs in the fourth inning. Two Pirates relievers allowed six additional runs. Bryan Reynolds had two hits and extended his hitting streak to 21 games.
Oneil Cruz hit his 11th home run of the season, but also committed his 11th error. Last night’s loss dropped the Pirates into a three-way tie for last place in the National League Central Division. They are 37-41 overall and tied with the Reds and Cubs.
The Bucs and Reds play again tonight at 7:10pm. WISR pre-game is 6:45pm. Mitch Keller will start for the Pirates. Hunter Greene for the Reds.