In Cincinnati, the Pirates got a tantalizing preview of what a fully healthy Braxton Ashcraft could bring to their rotation. Despite a 2-0 loss to the Reds, Ashcraft's performance was a standout, setting new personal bests with six innings and 87 pitches. He allowed just four hits and two runs, showcasing both power and potential, though he did walk four batters while striking out three.
Previously, Ashcraft's longest outing was 5 2/3 innings with 73 pitches, a mark he set last year against St. Louis.
Pirates manager Don Kelly praised Ashcraft's performance, noting, “He did a great job. [The] pitch count was in check [and he was] able to go six innings.”
Kelly highlighted Ashcraft's ability to fill the zone and effectively mix his pitches. His fastball was particularly impressive, peaking at 98.3 mph and averaging 96.6.
Ashcraft's unpredictability was key to his effectiveness. He mixed 29 curves, 22 sinkers (averaging 96.3 mph), 21 four-seam fastballs, and 15 sliders. The curveball emerged as his go-to pitch, compensating for less command over his fastballs.
“I don't feel like I had the best command or shapes on either of my fastballs,” Ashcraft admitted. “But the curveball was good, kept me out of a lot of damage.”
The game saw Reds starter Chase Burns hold the Pirates hitless for the first four innings, putting pressure on Ashcraft to keep it close. Reflecting on his outing, Ashcraft said, “Throwing six innings is always a plus.
It always helps the bullpen... But ultimately, it doesn't matter.
We want to get wins.”
The fourth inning proved challenging, as Ashcraft allowed hits to Elly De La Cruz and Eugenio Suárez, and walked Sal Stewart. A sacrifice fly by Spencer Steer and an RBI triple from Will Benson brought in the Reds' two runs.
Despite the setback, Ashcraft took it in stride, saying, “Made the pitch that we wanted to Benson and put a good swing on it. And that's baseball.”
Catcher Henry Davis provided a defensive highlight, throwing out De La Cruz attempting to steal second. Ashcraft praised Davis, calling him “an incredible talent” and “an unbelievable defender.”
This outing marked Ashcraft’s first start of 2026 after a fully healthy offseason, a welcome change following surgeries in previous years, including Tommy John in 2021.
“This offseason was different,” Ashcraft noted. “Just built my body out to be able to withstand a substantially higher workload and be able to cover 180 innings at least this year.”
With ambitions of making 30 starts and consistently going six innings, Ashcraft is setting the bar high. While he acknowledges the challenge, his determination is clear: “Will that happen?
Probably not. But, I mean, that's the objective.”