Pittsburgh Pirates vs Cincinnati Reds Picks and Predictions June 17th 2024

Paul Skenes Set to Face Cincinnati Reds in Crucial Home Series

The Pittsburgh Pirates are set to begin a critical three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds, with the spotlight firmly on their ace, Paul Skenes. Coming off a strong performance in Colorado, the Pirates aim to maintain their momentum, while the Reds look to bounce back from recent struggles. This matchup promises excitement, featuring emerging talents and veteran players making significant impacts.

Paul Skenes’ Impressive Season

Dominating the Mound Paul Skenes has been a revelation for the Pittsburgh Pirates this season. With a 3-0 record and a stellar 2.43 ERA, Skenes has quickly become a key player in the Pirates’ rotation. His exceptional 46-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 33 1/3 innings highlights his control and effectiveness.

Recent Performance In his last outing against the St. Louis Cardinals, Skenes delivered a masterful performance, striking out eight over 6 1/3 scoreless innings. Despite not earning the decision, his career-high 103 pitches and the standing ovation from the Busch Stadium crowd underscored his impact on the game.

Quotes from Teammates and Coaches Pirates infielder Connor Joe praised Skenes: “You can tell he’s confident, aggressive, pounding the zone. It’s really, really fun to play defense behind him.” Manager Derek Shelton echoed these sentiments, noting, “He was extremely efficient. Overall, he was very impressive. We continue to see growth out of Paul.”

Cincinnati Reds’ Challenge

Facing Skenes The Cincinnati Reds face a formidable challenge in Paul Skenes. After losing four of their last six games, including a 5-4 defeat to the Milwaukee Brewers, the Reds need a strong performance to turn their fortunes around.

Carson Spiers on the Mound Right-hander Carson Spiers will make his first start of the season for the Reds. The 26-year-old rookie has impressed in his five relief appearances, posting a 2.33 ERA. His standout performance against the Chicago Cubs, where he struck out seven over 5 2/3 scoreless innings, demonstrated his potential.

Reds Manager’s Insight Reds manager David Bell is optimistic about Spiers: “What he’s showing, he can pitch in any spot. Really good action on his pitches. Great mix of pitches — four or five different pitches that he can throw for strikes, which is so important.”

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Key Players to Watch

Elly De La Cruz Cincinnati shortstop Elly De La Cruz is making a strong case for his first All-Star selection. With a .235 batting average, 12 home runs, 31 RBIs, and 36 steals, De La Cruz is a dynamic presence on the field. Despite his All-Star aspirations, De La Cruz remains focused: “I don’t think about that. I’m just playing every day, enjoying the game every day.”

Bryan Reynolds’ Hitting Streak Pirates left fielder Bryan Reynolds is on a tear, boasting a 14-game hitting streak. During this period, Reynolds is hitting .339 with two home runs, eight RBIs, and eight runs, making him a critical offensive asset for the Pirates.

Oneil Cruz’s Return Pittsburgh welcomed back shortstop Oneil Cruz after a brief absence due to ankle soreness. In his return, Cruz contributed significantly to the Pirates’ 8-2 win, singling, doubling, and scoring two runs.

Conclusion

The upcoming series between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds promises to be a thrilling affair. With Paul Skenes’ dominant pitching and key players like Bryan Reynolds and Elly De La Cruz making significant impacts, fans can expect high-stakes action. As both teams vie for critical wins, this series could play a pivotal role in shaping their respective seasons.