It's rare that you'll see me backing the Pirates in a game but this is one of those times. Mike Minor has been brutal since making his season debut back on June 3, going 1-5 with a 6.82 ERA and has allowed 11 homers in 31.2 innings of work. Sure, he's coming off a quality start in his last outing but the Reds still were trounced 9-1 in that game by the Braves. Reds' pitching has surrendered 48 runs in those six outings where Minor has taken the mound. Throw in the fact that Cincinnati's bullpen is gassed after their 10-inning loss Wednesday plus the fact that they have to piece together a cohesive plan to get through the nightcap of the doubleheader since Tyler Mahle is on the IL and things look dismal for the Reds. Roansy Contreras hasn't been tremendous for Pittsburgh but if he has a normal start, the Pirates should be okay. Pittsburgh has been better of late, splitting four games with the Brewers and then earning a split at home in a two-game set with the powerhouse Yankees. Facing the Reds is a breather for a mediocre Pirates team and with their bullpen in a little better shape, give the Bucs the edge here.