PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates offense needed someone to give them a chance late on and right-handed starting pitcher Braxton Ashcraft did just that. Ashcraft went up against Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitcher Chase Burns in the series finale at PNC Park on May 3 and two battled each other throughout, shutting down their opposing team's offense. The Pirates pitcher went a bit further, 7.2 innings compared to 7.0 innings, and ended up playing a big role in the eventual 1-0 win and sweep of the Reds. Ashcraft also got back to what he did best in this start, giving the Pirates faith he'll continue to deliver going forward. BRAXTON ASHCRAFT THIS AFTERNOON: 7.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 SO 82 pitches, 56 strikes, 10 whiffs He now has a 3.02 ERA. That's how you respond. WHAT A START. pic.twitter.com/lkGxL6l42e — Platinum Key (@PlatinumKey13) May 3, 2026 How Ashcraft Took Down the Reds Burns took care of the Pirates, allowing just three hits and a walk over seven innings, while posting seven strikeouts.…