Pirates earn first 5-game winning streak since ’19 with 4-2 win over Reds

PITTSBURGH — For the first time since 2019, the Pittsburgh Pirates have won five games in a row as Mark Mathias, Connor Joe and Mitch Killer carried the Bucs to a 4-2 win over the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park on Friday.

After a balk was called on Reds starter Graham Ashcraft in the second inning, the Pirates (14-7) had two runners in scoring position for Mathias. Mathias came through with a two-run single up the middle to put the Pirates ahead 2-0.

Mathias was again at the plate when the Pirates reclaimed the lead in the sixth inning. With Connor Joe standing on third base, Mathias bounced one to shortstop Jose Barrero, who botched it. Mathias reached first base safely and Joe came in to score to put the Pirates up 3-2.