11
Reds-Pirates Saturday Showdown Delayed: Latest Updates
Rain Delays Reds vs. Pirates Game: Pittsburgh Takes Early 4-1 Lead
Quick Summary: The Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates game got paused in the 3rd inning because of heavy rain. Before the delay, the Pirates jumped out to a 4-1 lead thanks to wild pitching by Andrew Abbott and some timely hitting.
What Happened During the Game?
The Rain Delay
- The game was played at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati
- Heavy rain started pouring in the 3rd inning
- Umpires called a weather delay — the game stopped until the field dried out
Andrew Abbott’s Rough Inning
- Reds starting pitcher Andrew Abbott (a left-hander) lost control of his pitches
- 12 of his 15 pitches were called balls (not strikes)
- He walked in two runs — meaning batters got to first base for free, and runners scored
- Score became 2-0 Pirates
Pirates Add More Runs
- Fielder’s choice — A ground ball where the defense gets an out but a run scores → 3-0 Pirates
- Jose Trevino hits a solo home run — His 4th of the season → 3-1 Pirates
- 6th inning: Pirates score again off reliever Zach McCambley → 4-1 Pirates
Important Note: The article says "We will update this article with more information as it becomes available." So the final score isn’t set yet!
Series History: Reds Usually Beat Pirates in Cincinnati
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Since 2003 (Great American Ball Park opened) | Reds lead 108–89 |
| Last season (2024) | Reds won season series 7–6 (first winning season vs. Pirates since 2021) |
| Since 1994 (both joined NL Central) | Reds lead 269–250 — their best record against any division rival |
ELI5 Explanation: Think of it like a playground rivalry. Since the new park opened in 2003, the Reds have won about 55% of their home games against the Pirates. Over 30 years, they’ve won roughly 52% — not a blowout, but a steady edge.
Saturday’s Starting Pitchers
Cincinnati Reds: Andrew Abbott (Left-handed)
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Record | 5–8 |
| Season ERA | 3.85 |
| Recent Form | 2.95 ERA over last 16 starts (since April 30) |
| Last Start (July 26) | 6 innings, 2 earned runs, 3 hits, 4 walks, 4 strikeouts, 100 pitches |
| Quality Starts | 8 in last 16 outings |
| Opponent Batting Average | .215 (very good!) |
| Strikeouts (last 16 starts) | 75 |
What’s a "Quality Start"? A pitcher throws at least 6 innings and allows 3 or fewer earned runs. Abbott has done this 8 times in his last 16 games — that’s very consistent.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Braxton Ashcraft (Right-handed)
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Record | 10–4 |
| Season ERA | 4.05 |
| Strikeouts | 135 (7th most in the National League!) |
| Last Start (July 26) | Win vs. Cubs: 6 innings, 4 runs allowed, 5 strikeouts |
| Recent Struggle | 16 earned runs in 14 innings over last 3 starts |
| Team Record in Those 3 Games | Pirates went 2–1 anyway (offense bailed him out) |
Fun Fact: Braxton Ashcraft is NOT related to Reds reliever Graham Ashcraft. Just a coincidence!
What Happens Next?
- Rain stops → Grounds crew dries the field
- Umpires inspect the mound and infield
- Game resumes from the 3rd inning, score 4–1 Pirates
- Reds need a comeback — they’ve done it before!
- Saturday’s game will feature Abbott vs. Ashcraft — two pitchers trending in opposite directions
Summary
- Game delayed in 3rd inning due to heavy rain at Great American Ball Park
- Pirates lead 4–1 thanks to:
- Abbott’s wildness (2 walks with bases loaded)
- A fielder’s choice
- Jose Trevino’s 4th home run
- A run off Zach McCambley in the 6th
- Reds historically dominate this matchup in Cincinnati (108–89 since 2003)
- Saturday’s starters: Abbott (hot lately) vs. Ashcraft (struggling lately but winning)
- Article will be updated — final result still TBD!
FAQ
Q: What does "walked in two runs" mean?
A: The bases were loaded (runners on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd). Abbott threw four balls to two batters in a row. Each batter walked to first base, forcing the runner on third to score. Free runs for the Pirates!
Q: What’s a "fielder’s choice"?
A: A batter hits a ground ball. The fielder chooses to get an out at another base (like 2nd) instead of 1st. The batter is safe at 1st, but a run scores. It’s not a hit — it’s scored as an out for the batter.
Q: Why does ERA matter?
A: ERA = Earned Run Average. It shows how many runs a pitcher typically allows per 9 innings. Lower is better. Abbott’s 2.95 ERA since April 30 is elite. Ashcraft’s 4.05 season ERA is average, but his recent 10.29 ERA (16 runs in 14 innings) is bad.
Q: What’s a "quality start" and why does it matter?
A: 6+ innings, 3 or fewer earned runs. It means the pitcher gave his team a chance to win. Abbott has 8 in his last 16 starts — that’s a 50% rate, which is excellent.
Q: If Ashcraft is struggling, why is he 10–4?
A: Pitcher wins/losses depend heavily on run support. The Pirates scored lots of runs in his starts (they went 2–1 in his last 3 games despite him allowing 16 runs). His 135 strikeouts show he misses bats — but he’s also giving up hard contact lately.
Stay Tuned: This story is developing. Check back for the final score, post-game quotes, and Saturday’s preview!
