Pirates Use Big inning to Down Playoff-Hopeful Reds; Barco Gets Win in Debut
CINCINNATI — Oneil Cruz hit his first home run since August and Hunter Barco got the win in his big-league debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates in their 4-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark on Tuesday night.
How We Got There
The Pirates (68-89) poured it on in the second inning with four runs off Brady Singer (14-11). Nick Yorke singled home the first run of the game and Alexander Canario followed with an RBI double. Two batters later, Oneil Cruz hit an opposite-field two-run home run to cap off the big inning.
The Reds (80-77) cut the Pirates’ lead in half courtesy of Elly De La Cruz’s two-run home run off Johan Oviedo in the bottom of the inning.
In his big-league debut, Hunter Barco (1-0) tossed a scoreless sixth inning and was awarded the win. Dennis Santana converted his 15th save of the season. The Pirates used double plays to end each of the last three innings.
Key Moment
The Reds had two on with two outs against Hunter Barco in his first-career inning. Barco got Matt McLain to bounce out to short to preserve the Pirates’ two-run lead.
Player of the Game
In a losing effort, Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz went 3 for 3 with a home run, two RBI and a walk.
Stat to Know
Oneil Cruz joined Barry Bonds (1990-92) as the only Pirates’ player to hit at least 20 home runs and steal at least 35 bases in the same season.
Notable Performances
- Johan Oviedo: 4.2 innings, two hits, two runs, three walks, seven strikeouts, 82 pitches/50 strikes
- Hunter Barco: 1.0 inning, two hits, no runs, no walks, no strikeouts, 19 pitches/14 strikes
- Oneil Cruz: 1 for 4, one home run, two RBI, one run
- Nick Yorke: 2 for 4, one RBI, one run
Noteworthy
- Johan Oviedo’s seven strikeouts were a season-high and the most he’s had in a game since Sep. 15, 2023 against the New York Yankees.
- Joey Bart (left wrist discomfort) was removed from the Pirates’ original starting lineup.
- The Pirates selected the contract of LHP Hunter Barco and optioned LHP Evan Sisk to Triple-A Indianapolis. OF Ronny Simon was transferred to the 60-day injured list.
Up Next
RHP Paul Skenes (10-10, 2.03 ERA) will make his final start of the season for the Pirates on Wednesday afternoon. The Reds will send out RHP Hunter Greene ( 7-4, 2.74 ERA). First pitch: 6:40 p.m. ET.
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