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Jun 27, 2026

Cincinnati Reds Hang on to Take Series Opener in 6-4 Win vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

Cincinnati Reds Hang on to Take Series Opener in 6-4 Win vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

It wasn't pretty, but it was enough. Tyler Reed|
Jun 26, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) greets third baseman Eugenio Suárez (28) crossing home plate to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Jun 26, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) greets third baseman Eugenio Suárez (28) crossing home plate to score a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

In this story:

Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds were coming into the weekend series with nearly zero confidence. After getting swept by the Milwaukee Brewers in front of the home crowd at Great American Ball Park, the team hit the road to PNC Park to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates.

It's been all the talk of the entire season that the Reds have played poorly against the rest of the National League Central. However, all of the divisional bad luck may have changed in the Reds' 6-4 victory over the Pirates.

In a game that was well in hand early, the Reds quickly fumbled that lead until Noelvi Marte decided to play hero in the top of the eighth to secure the win. Let's take a closer look at all of the action.

The Perfect Chance

Paul Skene
Jun 26, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch to Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

There's a good chance that when most Reds fans found out Paul Skenes would be the starting pitcher for the Pirates on Friday, many would find something else to do with their night. Coming into Friday's matchup, Skenes had dominated the Reds. In six starts, Skenes was 5-0 against Cincinnati, but that all changed, finally!

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