CINCINNATI, Oh. (WMDJ) — The Cincinnati Reds fell to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the rubber match of their three-game series Wednesday by a score of 8-3.
Pittsburgh jumped out early, as Oneil Cruz hit a three-run home run in the top of the first inning to give the Pirates a quick lead.
The Reds answered in the fourth when Nathaniel Lowe drove in Elly De La Cruz with an RBI double, cutting the deficit to 3-1.
In the sixth inning, the Pirates added to their lead after a bases-loaded walk brought in another run. Cincinnati responded in the bottom half, as Eugenio Suárez hit a two-run home run to pull the Reds within one.
Pittsburgh broke the game open in the ninth inning, scoring four runs, including a two-run double and a two-run home run, to secure an 8-3 win.
On the mound, Paul Skenes allowed one run on three hits over five innings, striking out five. Reds starter Andrew Abbott gave up four runs on five hits over five and two-thirds innings, also striking out five.
The Reds have a day off before heading to Texas to face the Rangers. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m., with pregame coverage beginning at 3:35 p.m. on WMDJ FM 100.1.
