Overview
- The Pirates won the series' Saturday game 4-1 after a rain-soaked, walk-filled third inning that produced three runs and a 106-minute delay while Braxton Ashcraft allowed one run over five innings and Gregory Soto saved the game.
- The Reds answered Sunday with a 10-2 rout in which Chase Burns struck out nine and allowed one run in six innings while Sal Stewart hit a first-inning homer that keyed the early rally.
- Pirates starter Mitch Keller struggled in the finale, lasting two innings and yielding multiple homers and walks, and reliever Camilo Doval made his Pittsburgh debut and gave up a long ball.
- Steady rain affected both games, forcing ground crews to apply drying compound and prompting a 25-minute stoppage and Pirates manager Don Kelly's ejection during Sunday’s play.
- With the Aug. 3 trade deadline hours away, Cincinnati’s young core and Burns’ streak give the club leverage for deals while Pittsburgh must adjust its roster after injuries such as Ryan O’Hearn’s move to the 10-day injured list.