Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds, August 1, 2026, 6:40 p.m. ET
The Pittsburgh Pirates are turning the calendar to August as the National League Wild Card race heats up. Tonight, they will look to maintain their footing as they take on the Cincinnati Reds in the third matchup of a four-game set.
The Pirates are turning to All-Star Braxton Ashcraft for his 22nd start of the season. He’s coming off a win against the Chicago Cubs in his last start on July 26, when he pitched six innings and gave up seven hits and four earned runs.
This marks Ashcraft’s third start
of the year against the Reds. He previously pitched against them on March 30, when he went six innings and gave up four hits and two earned runs in a 2-0 loss at Great American Ball Park. He also pitched against them at home back on May 3, giving up four hits and no earned runs in 7.2 innings during a 1-0 victory for the Pirates.
Andrew Abbott is getting the start for the Reds. He last pitched against the Pirates on June 26, giving up six hits and three runs in 5.1 innings. The Reds picked up a 6-4 victory at PNC Park. In his last start on July 26, he went six innings, giving up three hits and two runs in a 5-3 victory in 10 innings. Abbott is looking for his first win since June 20, so the Bucs will look to deny him a victory once again.
Location: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH
Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh
Pitching Matchup: Braxton Ashcraft (10-4, 4.05 ERA) vs. Andrew Abbott (5-6, 3.85 ERA)
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