Pirates Road Trip: Keller Faces Reds in Cincinnati
The Pittsburgh Pirates continue their road trip with a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. The series begins on Tuesday, August 1st, with the Pirates looking to build momentum after their recent series win against the Washington Nationals.
Keller Takes the Mound
The Pirates will send Roansy Contreras to the mound on Tuesday. Contreras has been impressive in his rookie season, showing promise with his fastball and slider combination. He'll be facing a Reds lineup that's been struggling lately, but still boasts dangerous hitters like Jonathan India and Joey Votto.
Reds Looking to Bounce Back
The Reds, despite their recent struggles, have a talented young core that includes Nick Lodolo, Hunter Greene, and Spencer Steer. Their offense has been inconsistent, but they're capable of putting up big numbers on any given night.
Key Matchups to Watch
Bryan Reynolds vs. Nick Lodolo: Reynolds has been a consistent offensive threat for the Pirates, and his ability to hit for power and average will be key against the lefty Lodolo.
Oneil Cruz vs. Hunter Greene: Cruz's power potential is undeniable, and a matchup against the hard-throwing Greene could be a highlight of the series.
The Battle of the Bullpens
Both teams have been struggling with their bullpens recently. The Pirates' bullpen has been especially inconsistent, giving up a lot of runs late in games. The Reds, on the other hand, have relied heavily on their starting pitching to keep them in games.
Looking Ahead
The series against the Reds represents a chance for the Pirates to build momentum and potentially make a run towards a playoff spot. While they face an uphill battle in a competitive NL Central, their recent surge in form has given them a glimmer of hope.
Don't Miss Out
Catch all the action as the Pirates take on the Reds in this important series. Be sure to check your local listings for broadcast information and follow along for updates throughout the game.
Let's go Bucs!
