Two of the most electrifying young pitchers in the game collide at Great American Ball Park on Friday, July 31, when the Cincinnati Reds host the Pittsburgh Pirates at 6:10 PM ET. Hunter Greene takes the mound for Cincinnati against Pittsburgh's Paul Skenes in a marquee NL Central showdown with legitimate star power at the center of it. Catch the action on Reds.TV or tune in on WLW 700 AM if you're driving into the ballpark. This is the kind of pitching duel that sells itself.

Hunter Greene vs. Paul Skenes: A Generational Pitching Matchup

There is no soft way to say this — when Greene and Skenes are both on, lineups have no answers. Greene has been one of the most talked-about arms in the National League, a right-hander capable of hitting triple digits and missing bats in bunches. Skenes, Pittsburgh's prized ace, has been one of the most anticipated pitching talents in recent memory since arriving in the majors. Specific ERA and win-loss figures for both pitchers were not available ahead of this contest, but the names alone are enough to make this appointment viewing.

Cincinnati Reds Starting Lineup Against Pittsburgh

• Elly De La Cruz, SS
• Sal Stewart, 1B
• JJ Bleday, LF
• Tyler Stephenson, C
• Nathaniel Lowe, DH
• Eugenio Suárez, 3B
• Dane Myers, CF
• Noelvi Marte, RF
• Matt McLain, 2B

Manager David Bell is sending out a balanced lineup that mixes veterans with young talent. De La Cruz leads things off, which puts the most dynamic athlete on the roster in a position to set the tone immediately. Stephenson hitting cleanup signals the trust this organization has placed in its catcher as a middle-of-the-order bat. Lowe at DH gives the lineup a left-handed presence in the five-hole, and Suárez brings postseason-tested experience into the six slot.

Keys to Watch at Great American Ball Park

Can Cincinnati's Lineup Make Contact Against Skenes?

Skenes is not a pitcher you simply ambush. His stuff plays at an elite level, and the Reds will need to grind at-bats, work counts, and make him work deep into counts. De La Cruz's speed at the top of the order is a constant threat if he reaches base, and any mistake from Skenes could be punished in a hurry in a hitter-friendly park like Great American Ball Park.

Greene's Command Will Be the Deciding Factor

When Greene commands his fastball and locates his breaking ball consistently, he is as difficult to square up as anyone in the NL. The Pirates' Pittsburgh lineup will be looking to be patient and make Greene work. If Greene is sharp with his command early, this game has shutout potential for the Reds' side.

Bullpen Depth After the Starters Exit

With two high-end starters on the bump, it is easy to overlook what happens in the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings. Whichever bullpen holds up better on a Friday night could be the deciding factor in what projects to be a low-scoring game.

Prediction

Lean Cincinnati. Greene at home at Great American Ball Park is a tough assignment for any offense, and the Reds' lineup has enough on-base ability and pop — particularly from De La Cruz, Stephenson, and Lowe — to scratch across at least two or three runs. Skenes will keep this close, but the edge goes to the home side. Reds 3, Pirates 2.