Reds vs Pirates Recap: Pirates explode to 17-7 win

The Cincinnati Reds visited the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, May 2, hoping to bounce back from their tough loss the day before. However, the Pirates had other plans. Right from the start, Pittsburgh's batters came ready to swing. In the first inning alone, the Pirates scored five runs and never looked back. The Reds managed two runs early, but it wasn't nearly enough to keep pace. Rhett Lowder took the mound for Cincinnati, while Carmen Mlodzinski pitched for Pittsburgh. The Pirates' aggressive approach early made this a lopsided matchup. By the time the first inning ended, Pittsburgh led 5-2. The Reds' pitching staff faced real trouble holding back Pittsburgh's powerful lineup. This quick start proved to be the story of the entire game.

After dominating the first inning, Pittsburgh came right back with five more runs in the second. The Pirates' bats stayed hot as their hitters kept finding ways to reach base and drive in runs. Walks became a problem for Cincinnati's pitching, as Pittsburgh drew multiple free passes. One after another, Pirates runners crossed home plate. During this stretch, Marcell Ozuna and other Pirates' batters capitalized on the Reds' trouble. Meanwhile, Cincinnati answered back with a solo home run from Benson that traveled 414 feet to right center. The ball soared high over the wall for an exciting moment, but it couldn't stop Pittsburgh's momentum. After two innings, the Pirates led 10-3. The game had already become a runaway, with Pittsburgh showing why they have strong offensive firepower. Cincinnati struggled to contain the damage.

The fourth inning became the final blow for Cincinnati's hopes. Pittsburgh exploded for five more runs, extending their lead to 15-3. With runners already on base, key hits by Pirates batters drove in multiple runners at once. O'Hearn singled to right, bringing two runs home. Horwitz followed with another hit, pushing the advantage even larger. Although Cincinnati scored one run in the fifth inning, it made almost no difference. Pittsburgh's pitching held firm for the rest of the game. By the eighth inning, the Pirates added two more runs to reach 17 total. When the final out was recorded, Pittsburgh had won convincingly 17-7. This victory showcased the Pirates' powerful hitting and Cincinnati's pitching struggles. The loss dropped the Reds to 20-13, while Pittsburgh improved to 18-16.