Chase Burns reaches career milestone in Reds win over Pirates

After going 2-1 against the Red Sox in their first series of the season, the Cincinnati Reds entered their first National League Central matchup Monday, facing the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The matchup also marked the season debut of former No. 2 overall selection in 2024, Chase Burns.

Burns got a bit of experience at the big league level for the Reds last season, pitching in 13 games and going 0-3 with a 4.57 ERA.

Despite the high ERA and winless record, Burns' strikeout stuff was apparent, posting an impressive 13.9 SO/9.

Against Pittsburgh, Burnes got his season off to a great start.

He went five scoreless innings against the Pirates, surrendering three walks and just one hit. He also struck out seven batters.

As a result, he earned the first win of his career after the Reds prevailed 2-0 with RBIs coming from both Spencer Steer and Will Benson.

Although Burns could've pitched longer (78 pitches), it's not uncommon for starting pitchers to pitch on a much lower pitch count to begin the year.

When healthy, the Reds prove to have one of the toughest rotations in the major leagues.

That said, both Nick Lodolo and and Hunter Greene are currently injured, leaving Burns, Andrew Abbott and Brady Singer to hold down the staff.

Following Monday's game, Burns isn't scheduled to pitch again for Cincinnati until their road meeting with the Texas Rangers Sunday.

Then, he'll oppose another top-two pick in 2021, Jack Leiter.

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