For whatever reason, the Pittsburgh Pirates have had trouble with the Cincinnati Reds thus far in 2022. Tonight, that would change, as they used a strong start from Zach Thompson, clutch pitching from the bullpen, and a few timely hits to take down Cincinnati by the final of 3-1.
Thompson worked six strong innings tonight and allowed just one hit over that time. He also struck out and walked three batters. Thompson earned his second win of the season thanks to two runs scored in the second inning and extended his scoreless streak to 12 innings. Jack Suwinski scored on a balk by Reds starter Luis Castillo. Castillo then gave up a single to left center by Diego Castillo that would score Rodolfo Castro.
Daniel Vogelbach added an insurance run in the fourth when he blasted a 433 ft. home run to center field. Now it would be up to the bullpen to maintain that lead from the seventh inning on. Wil Crowe allowed the lone Cincinnati run of the night in the seventh. That would occur on a single to shallow right by Albert Almora Jr. that allowed Mike Moustakas to score.
It was now in the hands of Chris Stratton and David Bednar to finish off the final two innings. Stratton would work .2 of an inning allowing one hit and striking out two during that time. Bednar would pick up his sixth save of the season and collecting four outs in the process. The final out would come on a strikeout of Tyler Naquin.
A great outing by Thompson really set the tone for Pittsburgh tonight. His performance, along with the bullpen, was heavily needed to pick up this victory. The offense only collected five hits tonight, with two coming from Castro. The Pirates will now hope to get a spilt of this series in the finale tomorrow afternoon. Jose Quintana will look to stay strong against the young Reds starter, Hunter Greene. First pitch is 1:35pm.
Record vs. Reds: 2-4
Record vs. N.L. Central: 7-14
Record at Home: 8-10
Overall Record: 14-19
And…
As Always…
Let’s Go Bucs!
