I'm backing the Pirates here on Friday. Pittsburgh got hammered last night and gave up 15 runs and 19 hits and were embarrassed.

Jay Bruce is also on the trading block and might not play tonight for the Reds.




Reds starter Michael Lorenzen will be coming off of the worst start of his big league career -- 2 1/3 innings with eight earned runs and seven hits, including two homers in a 17-6 loss. Once again, some inopportune walks and strike zone command issues hurt him. He has had these issues all year.

He also has a 8.84 ERA in his four July starts.
Pittsburgh lefty Jeff Locke was outstanding in his previous three starts at Great American and we expect more of the same tonight against a Cincy lineup that has been middle of the road or worse against lefties this season. Look for a big bounceback night for Pittsburgh here on Friday!