Recap
4 min read

Pirates' Pitching Locks Down Reds in PNC Park Duel

The Pittsburgh Pirates improved their record to 16-33 with a narrow victory over the Cincinnati Reds, who now stand at 25-25. The game concluded with a score of 1-0 in favor of the Bucs at PNC Park. This matchup was marked by strong pitching performances from both teams, but it was the Pirates' ability to capitalize on key moments that secured their win.


May 20, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bailey Falter (6) delivers a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

First Inning


The game began with both teams struggling to find offensive momentum. The Pirates were unable to register any hits in the first inning, while the Reds managed just one hit off Pittsburgh's starting pitcher Bailey Falter. Falter demonstrated control and precision, keeping Cincinnati's batters at bay and setting the tone for what would be a dominant performance on the mound.


Middle Innings


As the innings progressed, both teams continued to rely heavily on their pitchers. The fourth inning saw another hit from Cincinnati, but they failed to convert it into runs due to solid defensive plays by Pittsburgh's fielders. Spencer Horwitz contributed defensively with an impeccable fielding percentage of 100 percent during this stretch.


May 20, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bailey Falter (6) delivers a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

In contrast, Pittsburgh struggled offensively through these middle innings as well. Despite managing two hits in both the fifth and seventh innings, they were unable to bring runners home until later in the game.


Sixth Inning


The sixth inning proved pivotal for Pittsburgh as they finally broke through Cincinnati’s defense. Bryan Reynolds stepped up for his team by driving in their only run of the night—an effort that would ultimately decide this tightly contested affair.


May 20, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Reds center fielder TJ Friedl (29) warms up in the outfield before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

On defense during this period—and throughout much of his outing—Bailey Falter remained steadfast against opposing hitters; he ended his night having allowed just four hits over seven innings pitched while maintaining an earned run average (ERA) of zero point zero zero (0 ERA).


Final Innings


As tensions mounted heading into late-game scenarios—the eighth and ninth innings—the Buccos’ bullpen took charge effectively shutting down any potential rallies from "the Big Red Machine." Reliever David Bednar closed out proceedings without conceding further ground ensuring no additional scoring opportunities arose for visiting players who finished without registering any runs despite five total hits across nine full frames played out under evening skies above Pennsylvania’s iconic ballpark venue known affectionately among locals simply as “PNC.”


Looking ahead: Fans can catch more action when these two clubs meet again tomorrow afternoon back here within city limits where first pitch scheduled promptly twelve thirty-five PM Eastern Daylight Time broadcast live via SportsNet PT network coverage available regionally throughout greater metropolitan area surrounding steel city itself! Share your thoughts about today’s thrilling encounter below or spread word amongst fellow enthusiasts eager witness next chapter unfold between storied rivals battling supremacy atop National League Central standings!

Rate the article

Related stories

Pirates' Third Inning Surge Falls Short Against Padres at PETCO Park
Recap

Pirates' Third Inning Surge Falls Short Against Padres at PETCO Park

3 min read
Pirates Dominate Padres at PETCO Park with Stellar Pitching and Timely Hits
Recap

Pirates Dominate Padres at PETCO Park with Stellar Pitching and Timely Hits

3 min read
Did Pirates' Sixth Inning Spark Fall Short Against Padres at PETCO Park?
Recap

Did Pirates' Sixth Inning Spark Fall Short Against Padres at PETCO Park?

3 min read