Charlie Morton could be signing off after an 18-year run, taking the mound for what might be his final MLB appearance with Atlanta against his original club, Pittsburgh, as the Braves won 4-1. Morton’s journey began in Atlanta (2008) and wound through Pittsburgh, Houston, and Tampa Bay, defined by his curve and durability.

His résumé sparkles with a 2017 World Series title with Houston, an All-Star bid in 2018, and a 2019 strikeout surge with the Rays. If this is farewell, it would close on a fairy-tale note: debut with the Braves, end against the Pirates, a celebratory nod to a pitcher who thrived on craft and longevity.

The Reds aim to salvage the series in Cincinnati as Nick Lodolo faces Braxton Ashcraft in a key afternoon tilt. Cincinnati’s lineup features Elly De La Cruz, Gavin Lux, Will Benson and Miguel Andujar, while Pittsburgh counters with Jared Triolo, Nick Gonzales, Noelvi Marte and Bryan Reynolds. A win could tilt NL playoff odds depending on Mets and Diamondbacks outcomes later in the day.

Fantasy angle: Lodolo’s matchup is a prime streaming spot if he’s sharp with location and command, and Reds bats will be watched closely to see if they finally break out. Pirates’ power threats and veteran anchors could push this one into a high-leverage, keeper-league-friendly affair.

Pittsburgh built an early lead, but Oakland answered with a five-inning rally to steal the series opener 4-3 at PNC Park. Mitch Keller held the A’s in check through four, but a three-run homer by Lawrence Butler in the fifth flipped the game. The Pirates threatened in two later innings but couldn’t push another run across, extending their home skid to seven straight losses. A brutal stretch for Pittsburgh leaves them at 65-89, while Oakland sits 73-81 as the series continues.

Key moments included Jared Triolo starting the scoring with an RBI on an error, Bryan Reynolds driving in a run with a single, and Spencer Horwitz collecting a double to plate Triolo. Despite a 3-0 cushion after the second, the Pirates couldn’t sustain the lead as the A’s bullpen shut the door late and the offense went quiet after the fourth. Stay tuned for more updates as Pittsburgh looks to rebound in the next matchup.