Pirates Edge Reds In Extra Innings As NL Central Race Heats Up

Pirates Edge Reds In Extra Innings As NL Central Race Heats Up...

The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Cincinnati Reds 5-4 in 11 innings Wednesday night at PNC Park, intensifying the early-season NL Central rivalry. The game is trending nationally as both teams entered the series with identical 4-2 records, marking their strongest combined April start in a decade.

Oneil Cruz delivered the walk-off single in the bottom of the 11th, scoring Ke'Bryan Hayes from second base. The Pirates' victory gives them a temporary division lead and extends their home winning streak against Cincinnati to seven games dating back to last season.

The matchup gained additional attention due to a controversial overturned call in the 7th inning. Reds manager David Bell was ejected after arguing a reversed safe call at home plate that would have given Cincinnati the lead. MLB's replay review system has drawn scrutiny this week following several high-profile reversals.

Both teams showcased their young talent, with Pirates starter Jared Jones striking out 10 over six innings and Reds rookie infielder Elly De La Cruz hitting his third home run of the season. The game drew 23,487 fans, PNC Park's largest weekday April crowd since 2019.

The Pirates and Reds conclude their three-game series Thursday afternoon before Pittsburgh hosts Baltimore for an interleague matchup this weekend. With both teams showing early promise, their next meeting in Cincinnati on April 19-21 is already drawing ticket demand 30% above average for early-season games at Great American Ball Park.