The Pittsburgh Pirates take the show on the road Friday, July 31, heading to Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati for a 6:10 PM ET clash with the Reds. Paul Skenes gets the ball for Pittsburgh against Reds right-hander Hunter Greene in what shapes up as one of the better pitching matchups you'll find on any Friday night this summer. Both starters are among the most electric arms in the National League, and this one has the makings of a low-scoring, high-intensity game that could hinge on a single mistake. Catch it on SportsNet Pittsburgh or Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds Game Preview — July 31, 2026

The Pitching Matchup: Skenes vs. Greene

Paul Skenes is the headliner for the Bucs, and for good reason. The young right-hander has been Pittsburgh's most important arm, and every start he makes carries weight. Opposing him is Hunter Greene, a power pitcher in his own right who can run it up there with the best of them. When these two toe the rubber on the same night, it is appointment television for anyone who appreciates starting pitching. The Pirates will need Skenes to be sharp, limit his pitch count early, and keep Cincinnati's dangerous lineup off the bases.

Cincinnati Reds Lineup to Watch

The Reds are not sending out an easy group. Manager David Bell's lineup Friday features some legitimate threats from top to bottom.

• Elly De La Cruz (SS, leadoff) — One of the most dynamic players in the game. His speed and raw power make him a problem from the first pitch of the night.
• Sal Stewart (1B, No. 2) — A young bat the Reds have invested in. Worth monitoring how Skenes attacks him early in the count.
• JJ Bleday (LF, No. 3) — Slots into a middle-of-the-order role and gives Cincinnati a left-handed presence Skenes will need to navigate.
• Tyler Stephenson (C, cleanup) — A seasoned catcher hitting fourth. He knows how to work counts and punish pitches left over the plate.
• Nathaniel Lowe (DH, No. 5) — A disciplined hitter who rarely chases. Getting Lowe out without a walk is its own assignment.
• Eugenio Suárez (3B, No. 6) — A veteran with legitimate pop. One swing can change everything.

Keys to the Game for Pittsburgh

• Skenes and pitch efficiency: Great American Ball Park can be unforgiving. If Skenes is hunting early contact and keeping his pitch count manageable, the Pirates are in business deep into the game.
• Neutralizing De La Cruz: Elly De La Cruz at the top of the order is a momentum engine. Getting him out in his first two at-bats does more than just prevent a run — it keeps the Reds' offense from feeding off his energy.
• Matching Greene pitch for pitch: The Pirates' offense needs to be patient against Greene. He has the stuff to bury a lineup that swings early and chases. If Pittsburgh works counts and forces Greene to throw strikes, there are runs to be had.
• Bullpen readiness: A Greene start against a quality opponent means Pittsburgh's bullpen could be asked to protect a lead late. Having the right arms available matters.

Prediction

This is the kind of game that stays close until someone blinks. Skenes has the talent to match Greene inning for inning, and the Pirates have enough offensive capability to scratch out runs against an elite arm. Call it a 3-2 Pirates win on the strength of Skenes going deep into the game and Pittsburgh's offense finding a way in the middle innings. These are the games you build a résumé on, and Skenes has shown the competitive makeup to rise in them.