The Pirates are set to return home Friday night to open a three game set with division rival the Cincinnati Reds. Following a 7 game road stretch, in which the Pirates went 3-4, Pittsburgh looks to have similar success as they did a year ago against Cincinnati, posting a 10-5 season record including winning 7 of the first 8 meetings.
The Reds are coming in with a 12-12 record, winning 6 of their last 9 ballgames. They haven't been too impressive on the road however, posting a 4-6 record but winning 3 out of their last 4. The Reds were 4-5 in their trips to Pittsburgh last season, with all of those games being played in July or later. Lead by Jay Bruce (.299 Avg 7 HR 17 Rbi) and Joey Votto (.293 Avg 2 HR 15 Rbi), the Reds haven't been much better at the plate this season than the Pirates. Both teams are in the bottom half of the NL in most offensive categories including average and runs scored. On the pitching side they are a little better, but the Pirates will face their last 2 starters in terms of ERA this season in SP Mike Leake (6.65 ERA) and SP Mat Latos (5.97). With 13 of their next 16 games schedule away from home, the Reds will be looking to start their road trip off on the right foot here in Pittsburgh.
The Pirates are coming in to the series with a record of 11-14 overall and 5-4 at home this season. Looking to get to .500 for the first time since April 10th, the Pirates are happy to be coming home to a familiar foe after losing their last series in St Louis. They had plenty of success last season against Cincinnati, and they are coming into the ballgame hitting as well as they have all season. The Pirates have averaged over 6 runs their past 4 ballgames after not scoring more than 5 in their first 21 games. Pedro Alvarez (7 HR 14 RBI) is tied with Jay Bruce and several others for 2nd in the NL in home runs. However, no one is swinging a hotter bat. Alvarez is batting .424 with 5 HRs and 10 RBIs over his past 8 ballgames. Set to face three right handed starters, look for Alvarez to make a huge impact in this series.
The Reds are coming in with a 12-12 record, winning 6 of their last 9 ballgames. They haven't been too impressive on the road however, posting a 4-6 record but winning 3 out of their last 4. The Reds were 4-5 in their trips to Pittsburgh last season, with all of those games being played in July or later. Lead by Jay Bruce (.299 Avg 7 HR 17 Rbi) and Joey Votto (.293 Avg 2 HR 15 Rbi), the Reds haven't been much better at the plate this season than the Pirates. Both teams are in the bottom half of the NL in most offensive categories including average and runs scored. On the pitching side they are a little better, but the Pirates will face their last 2 starters in terms of ERA this season in SP Mike Leake (6.65 ERA) and SP Mat Latos (5.97). With 13 of their next 16 games schedule away from home, the Reds will be looking to start their road trip off on the right foot here in Pittsburgh.
The Pirates are coming in to the series with a record of 11-14 overall and 5-4 at home this season. Looking to get to .500 for the first time since April 10th, the Pirates are happy to be coming home to a familiar foe after losing their last series in St Louis. They had plenty of success last season against Cincinnati, and they are coming into the ballgame hitting as well as they have all season. The Pirates have averaged over 6 runs their past 4 ballgames after not scoring more than 5 in their first 21 games. Pedro Alvarez (7 HR 14 RBI) is tied with Jay Bruce and several others for 2nd in the NL in home runs. However, no one is swinging a hotter bat. Alvarez is batting .424 with 5 HRs and 10 RBIs over his past 8 ballgames. Set to face three right handed starters, look for Alvarez to make a huge impact in this series.
Along with Alvarez, a few other Pirates seem to be hitting their strides as well. Jose Tabata comes off a 3-5 night in St. Louis and is leading the team with a .303 home average.SS Clint Barmes will return to Pittsburgh after driving in 2 runs on 2 doubles in Thursday's game and 3 runs in his past two ballgames. Andrew McCutchen left the game early yesterday with a stomach virus, but will look to return to the lineup Friday night and is leading the team with a .297 average. Set to have a 9 game home stand, the Pirates can move their way up in the division standings by winning the three game series this weekend by continuing their solid pitching and keeping the bats alive.
Here is a look at the pitching matchups
Friday- Johnny Cueto (3-0 1.39 ERA) vs. Kevin Correia (1-1 2.42 ERA)
Saturday- Mike Leake (0-3 6.65 ERA) vs. James McDonald (1-1 2.97 ERA)
Sunday- Mat Latos (1-2 5.97 ERA) vs. Charlie Morton (1-2 4.22 ERA)
Here is a look at the pitching matchups
Friday- Johnny Cueto (3-0 1.39 ERA) vs. Kevin Correia (1-1 2.42 ERA)
Saturday- Mike Leake (0-3 6.65 ERA) vs. James McDonald (1-1 2.97 ERA)
Sunday- Mat Latos (1-2 5.97 ERA) vs. Charlie Morton (1-2 4.22 ERA)
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