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A cubist interpretation of the pitching duel between the Reds’ Chase Burns and the Pirates’ Braxton Ashcraft, capturing the dynamic action and tension of the game.Today in Pittsburgh
Chase Burns, a rookie right-hander for the Cincinnati Reds, earned his first career major league victory on Monday night, tossing five one-hit innings and striking out seven in a 2-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Reds provided Burns with just enough offense, scoring two runs in the fourth inning to secure the victory.
Why it matters
The win was an important milestone for the young Burns, who struggled in his rookie season with the Reds last year. The strong outing could help solidify his spot in the starting rotation and build momentum for the rest of the season. For the Pirates, the loss continues their offensive woes, as they have struggled to score runs in the early going.
The details
Burns (1-0) was dominant on the mound, allowing just one hit and three walks while striking out seven over his five innings of work. The Reds provided him with the only runs he would need in the fourth inning, when Elly De La Cruz singled, Sal Stewart walked, and Eugenio Suarez singled to set up a sacrifice fly by Spencer Steer and an RBI triple by Will Benson. Pirates starter Braxton Ashcraft (0-1) pitched well in the loss, going six innings and allowing just two runs on four hits and four walks with three strikeouts.
The game was played on Monday, March 31, 2026.
The players
Chase Burns
A rookie right-handed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who earned his first career major league victory with a strong five-inning, one-hit performance.
Braxton Ashcraft
The starting pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who took the loss despite a quality start, going six innings and allowing two runs on four hits and four walks with three strikeouts.
Elly De La Cruz
A Cincinnati Reds player who singled to lead off the fourth inning and scored the first run of the game.
Spencer Steer
A Cincinnati Reds player who hit a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning to drive in the first run of the game.
Will Benson
A Cincinnati Reds player who hit an RBI triple in the fourth inning to drive in the second run of the game.
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What they’re saying
“It was a great feeling to get that first big-league win. The team played great defense behind me and we were able to scratch across a couple runs. I’m just grateful for the opportunity and looking to build on this outing.”
— Chase Burns, Reds Pitcher
What’s next
Burns will look to build on this strong outing in his next start, as the Reds hope he can solidify his spot in the starting rotation. The Pirates will look to get their offense going and string together some wins after a slow start to the season.
The takeaway
This game was an important milestone for young Reds pitcher Chase Burns, who earned his first career major league victory with a dominant performance. It also highlighted the continued offensive struggles for the Pirates, who have yet to find their groove at the plate in the early going of the 2026 season.