Dominates on Mound as Reds Face Disappointing Season
Skenes Dominates for Pittsburgh Pirates as Cincinnati Reds Near Disappointing Season Conclusion
The Pittsburgh Pirates (72-82) and Cincinnati Reds (75-80) are set to face off in the final game of their three-game divisional series this Sunday afternoon. The Pirates have the edge in the season series, leading 7-4. As the teams vie for momentum, all eyes will be on Paul Skenes, who will take the mound for Pittsburgh, while Hunter Greene represents Cincinnati.
Paul Skenes: A Rising Star for the Pirates
Paul Skenes has emerged as a dominant force for the Pirates, showcasing his skills by limiting the Cardinals to just one run over six innings in his latest start, despite taking a tough loss. Skenes has now allowed two runs or fewer in five consecutive outings, boasting an impressive 2.07 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP. His record stands at 10-3 across 126 innings pitched, a testament to his effectiveness on the mound. Against the Reds this season, he has excelled, holding them to two runs in 12 innings pitched with a perfect 2-0 record.
However, the Pirates are struggling as the season comes to a close, failing to reach the .500 mark. They’ve dropped three of their last four series, with their most recent series against the Cardinals resulting in a loss. Pittsburgh’s offensive struggles were evident as they managed only nine runs in that series, including an 8-3 defeat in the opener. The team’s road performance has been lackluster, sitting eight games under .500.
Veteran Andrew McCutchen remains a key player for the Pirates, contributing six RBIs and a solid .832 OPS in September. McCutchen has hit 20 home runs this season, driving in 50 runs with a .761 OPS. However, his performance against the Reds has been muted, with only two RBIs and a .715 OPS in their encounters.
Overall, the Pirates are averaging 4.15 runs per game, ranking them 22nd in MLB, and their pitching staff has a collective 4.17 ERA, placing them 21st.
Cincinnati Reds: A Season of Missed Opportunities
The Reds turn to Hunter Greene for their final matchup. Greene, who recently returned from injury, previously excelled against the Cardinals, allowing just one run over seven innings. He has maintained a strong season with a 2.83 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP, holding a record of 9-4 across 143.1 innings. However, he has struggled against the Pirates, giving up six runs in 10.1 innings this year, which contributes to his 3.00 ERA and an 0-3 record against them in his career.
Cincinnati has also faced challenges, losing three of their last four series and disappointing fans after a promising start to the 2023 season. In a recent series against the Braves, the Reds allowed a staggering 28 runs, highlighting their struggles, particularly at home where they are three games below .500.
Tylor Stephenson continues to be a standout for the Reds, posting nine RBIs and a .738 OPS this month. He has enjoyed a productive season, tallying 19 home runs and 65 RBIs with an impressive .803 OPS. Notably, against the Pirates, he has recorded eight RBIs and an outstanding 1.03 OPS.
For the season, the Reds average 4.42 runs per game, placing them 15th in the league, while their pitching staff maintains a 4.15 ERA, ranking 18th.
Conclusion
As the Pirates and Reds conclude their series, both teams are looking to finish the season on a high note. Paul Skenes aims to further solidify his reputation as a top-tier pitcher, while Hunter Greene seeks to redeem his performance against a familiar rival. With the stakes high, fans can expect an engaging matchup as both teams navigate their respective challenges.
Click here to see the latest matchup.
