Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Reds
CINCINNATI (Interstat) — The Pittsburgh Pirates will look to complete a series sweep of the Cincinnati Reds when the National League Central rivals conclude their three-game set Thursday afternoon at Great American Ball Park.
First pitch is scheduled for 12:35 p.m. under a forecast of 73 degrees and rain.
The Pirates (68-89) have taken the first two games of the series, including a 4-2 victory on Tuesday. Oneil Cruz homered in that win, and Pittsburgh’s pitching staff has held the Reds to two runs over 18 innings in the series.
Cincinnati (80-77), despite being eliminated from postseason contention, aims to salvage the finale and build momentum before heading to Milwaukee for the final weekend. The Reds had won six of seven prior to this series, including a four-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs.
Pittsburgh will send right-hander Braxton Ashcraft (4-3, 4.12 ERA) to the mound. Cincinnati is expected to counter with left-hander Nick Lodolo (8-8, 3.98 ERA).
The Reds hold a 7-6 advantage in the season series, though the Pirates have won four of the last six meetings. According to Interstat, the Reds are projected to win 5-3 and are installed as a -1.5 favorite. The over/under is set at 8.5 runs.
Following the game, both teams hit the road for their final series. Pittsburgh travels to Atlanta, while Cincinnati visits Milwaukee.