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yesterday

Reds Visit Slumping Pirates as Rookie Will Benson Shines

Cincinnati, on a four-game win streak, faces Pittsburgh, which has lost 16 of 20, in the opener of a three-game series featuring standout rookie Will Benson and struggling Pirates ace Mitch Keller.

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Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds bats in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park on April 12, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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May 18, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson (30) reacts after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The Cincinnati Reds (24-24) begin a three-game series in Pittsburgh against the Pirates (15-32) on Monday night, with both teams at opposite ends of recent form.
  • The Reds are riding a four-game winning streak, including a sweep of the Cleveland Guardians, while the Pirates have dropped 16 of their last 20 games, including their last three.
  • Rookie Will Benson has been a key catalyst for the Reds, hitting .423 with five home runs and 11 RBIs in eight games since being called up on May 10.
  • Monday's pitching matchup features Cincinnati's Nick Lodolo (3-4, 3.42 ERA) against Pittsburgh's Mitch Keller (1-5, 4.15 ERA), who has not won since his season debut despite solid recent outings.
  • The Pirates, now under interim manager Don Kelly after Derek Shelton's firing, continue to struggle offensively despite strong performances from their pitching staff.