The Cincinnati Reds (3-2) look to salvage the final game of a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday at Great American Ball Park. First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. ET in a matchup of young aces: left-hander Andrew Abbott against right-hander Paul Skenes.

The Pitching Matchup

Abbott makes his second start of the season after a dominant Opening Day performance in which he held the Red Sox scoreless over six innings. He has yet to record a win despite the strong outing and will look to get into the win column against a Pirates lineup that put up eight runs in Monday's victory.

Skenes enters off a rocky season debut and will look to bounce back in Cincinnati. The Pirates' young flamethrower has the raw stuff to dominate any lineup, but struggled with his command in his first outing of 2026.

Series Context

After the Reds took the series opener on Sunday, the Pirates evened things up with an 8-3 blowout on Monday behind Oneil Cruz's power display. Cruz has been swinging a hot bat in this series and will look to stay locked in against Abbott. The Reds need a strong performance from their pitching staff to win the series and avoid dropping two straight at home.

Keys to the Game

For the Reds, containing Cruz will be paramount. The Pirates shortstop has been the most dangerous hitter in this series. On the offensive side, Cincinnati needs to establish early contact against Skenes and avoid falling behind in the count against his elite fastball.