Cincinnati Reds Look to Continue Momentum Against Rival Pirates

The Reds and Pirates open a three-game series after both teams split their opening series of the 2026 season.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:58pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric planes in the colors of the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates uniforms, conceptually representing the intensity of their upcoming baseball series.A cubist interpretation of the upcoming Reds-Pirates series captures the dynamic energy and competitive spirit of this divisional matchup.Cincinnati Today

The Cincinnati Reds, coming off a successful first series of the 2026 season, now turn their attention to an NL Central matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates opened their season by losing two out of three games against the New York Mets, but showed signs of improvement with key offseason acquisitions like Marcell Ozuna and Brandon Lowe, as well as the return of 2025 NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes. The Reds will look to continue building momentum and take care of business against a divisional rival they've had recent success against.

Why it matters

This early-season series between the Reds and Pirates is an important one, as both teams look to gain an early edge in the NL Central division race. The Reds will aim to capitalize on their recent success against the Pirates, while the Pirates will try to prove they can compete with one of the division's top teams.

The details

The Reds and Pirates will face off in a three-game series at Great American Ball Park, with the Reds sending Chase Burns, Brandon Williamson, and Andrew Abbott to the mound against the Pirates' Braxton Ashcraft, Bubba Chandler, and Paul Skenes. The Reds have had recent success against the Pirates, edging them 7-6 in head-to-head matchups last season, and will look to continue that trend.

  • The series begins on Monday, March 30, 2026.
  • Game 1 features Chase Burns vs. Braxton Ashcraft.
  • Game 2 features Brandon Williamson vs. Bubba Chandler.
  • Game 3 features Andrew Abbott vs. Paul Skenes.

The players

Cincinnati Reds

A professional baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a member of the National League Central division.

Pittsburgh Pirates

A professional baseball team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a member of the National League Central division.

Chase Burns

A young pitching prospect for the Cincinnati Reds who had success against the Pirates in 2025.

Braxton Ashcraft

A starting pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates who had mixed results against the Reds in 2025.

Brandon Williamson

A Cincinnati Reds pitcher making his MLB return after missing the 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery.

Bubba Chandler

A Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher who made his MLB debut in 2025 and will face the Reds for the first time.

Andrew Abbott

A Cincinnati Reds pitcher who has had success against the Pirates in his career.

Paul Skenes

The 2025 NL Cy Young Award winner for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who has dominated the Reds in recent matchups.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must continue to build on the momentum from our first series and take care of business against a divisional rival we feel we have a competitive edge over.”

— Reds Manager

“We've made some big offseason moves and are ready to show we can compete with the top teams in the division.”

— Pirates Manager

What’s next

The Reds will look to continue their recent success against the Pirates and gain an early advantage in the NL Central division race. The Pirates will aim to prove they can compete with one of the division's top teams.

The takeaway

This early-season series between the Reds and Pirates will be an important test for both teams as they look to establish themselves in the NL Central. The Reds' recent dominance over the Pirates, combined with the Pirates' offseason improvements, sets the stage for an intriguing divisional matchup.