Pirates

Reynolds’ Home Run, Keller’s Stellar Start Lift Pirates Over Reds

Published

4 months ago

June 19, 2024

PITTSBURGH — Bryan Reynolds extended his hitting streak to 17 games with a solo home run to break a scoreless tie in the eighth after Mitch Keller delivered another excellent start for the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 1-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park on Wednesday.

With two outs in the eighth inning, Reynolds belted a solo home run to center field off of Reds relief pitcher Fernando Cruz (3-6).

B REY GIVES US THE LEAD! pic.twitter.com/Hp9EqHlN7R

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) June 19, 2024

The homer was the Pirates’ third hit of the game and Reynolds’ first. His 17-game hitting streak matches his career-high from 2019.

Mitch Keller efficiently navigated the Reds’ lineup through seven innings before issuing a leadoff walk to Stuart Fairchild to open the eighth inning.

After the free pass, manager Derek Shelton called for Colin Holderman out of the bullpen to relieve Keller. Holderman (3-0) stranded Fairchild by retiring the three batters he faced in order.

In his seven-plus innings, Keller allowed only two hits, walked a pair and struck out seven batters.

It was the 45th-straight time Keller pitched at least five innings and the eighth-straight start he went six-plus innings.

Keller capped off a 1-2-2 first inning with a strikeout of Spencer Steer, giving the Pirates’ right-hander 600 strikeouts in his career.

For the Reds (35-39), Greene shut out the Pirates (36-38) on two hits across 6.1 innings and struck out nine.

David Bednar sealed the rubber match victory with a scoreless ninth inning, his 16th save of the season and 15th conversion in a row.

Up Next

The Pirates have an off day on Thursday before the start of a weekend series with the Rays on Friday night. Neither club has announced a starting pitcher. First pitch: 6:40 ET.