Reds 8 - Pirates 7 (7/31/2026): Stewart's 4 RBIs Lift Cincinnati

The Cincinnati Reds secured a narrow victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, edging them out 8-7 at the Great American Ball Park. With this win, the Reds improved their record to 51-57, while the Pirates fell to 55-55. The game was played under clear skies with a sweltering 100-degree temperature.

Both teams displayed an impressive offensive performance, matching each other with 12 hits. The Reds, however, capitalized on fewer mistakes, finishing the game without committing an error, while the Pirates had one. A gusty wind blowing out to right field at 5 mph contributed to the dynamic plays throughout the game.

Early Innings

The game kicked off with both teams scoring a pair of runs in the first inning, setting the stage for a competitive encounter. While the Pirates added another run in the second inning, the Reds were held scoreless until they picked up a run in the third. By the end of the fourth inning, the Reds had surged ahead 5-3.

The Pirates tried to chip away at the lead with a run in the fifth inning, narrowing the score to 5-4. However, their offensive efforts were muted through the middle innings, as they struggled to find gaps in the Reds' defense. Meanwhile, Reds' starter Hunter Greene managed to hold the Pirates to four runs through his six innings of work.

Final Innings Drama

In the eighth inning, the game saw a flurry of runs as both teams put three on the board. For the Pirates, Jake Mangum and Nick Gonzales led the charge, with Mangum hitting his first home run. The Reds responded emphatically, with standout performances from Spencer Stewart, who drove in four runs, and J.J. Bleday, who also hit a crucial home run.

As the game moved into the final inning, the tension was palpable. Emilio Pagán came in to close for the Reds and successfully kept the Pirates at bay, recording his third win of the season. This late-game resilience preserved the Reds' one-run lead and ultimately sealed their victory.

Key Performers

For the Reds, Spencer Stewart was instrumental in their victory, going 2-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs. J.J. Bleday also made significant contributions, scoring two runs and belting a home run. Elly De La Cruz added a triple, displaying the Reds' offensive depth.

The Pirates showcased their batting depth as well, with Brandon Lowe going 3-for-5 and Jake Mangum finishing 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs. Nick Gonzales contributed with two hits and two RBIs, but the collective effort fell just short.

Pitching Challenges

Pirates' starter Paul Skenes faced difficulties in his four innings, giving up five runs on seven hits with four walks. Despite striking out seven, his early exit left the bullpen with significant work to do. Wilber Dotel, in a brief appearance, couldn't contain the Reds' offense and was tagged with the loss.

On the Reds' side, Hunter Greene gave a mixed performance, allowing four runs on seven hits over six innings. The relief pitchers had a rollercoaster evening, with Connor Ferguson and Peter Johnson facing some challenges in the eighth but eventually stabilizing the game with help from Emilio Pagán.

The teams will meet again at the Great American Ball Park, with the Pirates eager to bounce back and the Reds looking to continue their momentum. Fans can anticipate another closely contested game, as both teams fight for traction in the NL Central standings.