Pirates' Bryan Reynolds and Reds Prepare for PNC Park Showdown

First Inning

As the Pirates gear up to face the Reds at PNC Park, all eyes will be on Bryan Reynolds, the standout right fielder for the Bucs. Over the last three games, Reynolds has been a force at bat with an impressive .667 average, a home run, and two RBIs in their recent game against the Phillies. His slugging percentage of 1.667 and OPS of 2.417 from that game alone highlight his potential to make a significant impact early in the innings.

For the Reds, Will Benson has shown exceptional form with a .667 average and a home run in one of his recent outings against the White Sox. His ability to connect powerfully could pose a challenge for Pirates' pitchers like Carmen Mlodzinski, who has struggled with an ERA of 10.8 over his last few appearances.

Middle Innings

As we move into the middle innings, pitching will play a crucial role in determining which team gains momentum. The Pirates' bullpen has seen mixed performances; however, David Bednar stands out with an immaculate ERA of 0.0 and an impressive K/9 rate of 18 over his recent games against tough opponents like the Mets.

On the other side, Emilio Pagán from the Reds has matched this prowess with a similar ERA of 0.0 and K/9 rate of 9 across his last two games against teams like the Guardians. Both relievers will be pivotal in maintaining leads or closing gaps as they enter these critical innings.

Late Innings

In late innings, fielding consistency becomes vital. Isiah Kiner-Falefa's perfect fielding percentage over recent games provides stability for the Pirates' defense when it matters most. His dual contribution both defensively and offensively (.500 average in one game) makes him another key player to watch.

The Reds’ Elly De La Cruz also brings defensive reliability with no errors recorded recently while contributing offensively with a notable .333 average during their matchups against teams like Cleveland.

As anticipation builds for this clash at PNC Park on May 19th at 6:40 PM ET, broadcasted on Fox Sports 1, fans can expect an exciting showdown where strategic plays and standout performances will dictate outcomes. Don't miss out on sharing this article to keep fellow fans informed about this thrilling matchup!