PREMIUM
5*
(MLB) Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati,
Money Line: 133.00 Pittsburgh (Away)
Result: Win
Money Line: 133.00 Pittsburgh (Away)
Result: Win
The Pirates have lost back to back games in Cincinnati, and they now sit two games back of division leaders St. Louis. They look to avoid a sweep in the series finale today, and with a favorable matchup on the mound, they might be in a good spot to earn a victory. Jeff Locke will return to the rotation after sitting out with a sore back since July 8. Locke (8-2, 2.15 ERA) allowed a pair of runs on just three hits over seven innings in a 2-1 loss to Oakland his last time out. He ranks second amongst National League pitchers with only Clayton Kershaw having a lower ERA. The Reds haven't been able to solve him in two previous meetings, as he's 1-0 with a 0.75 ERA in those games. One of those games was at Great American Ballpark, and he tossed 7 scoreless innings not factoring in the decision.
Homer Bailey will get the nod for the home team, and he's lost consecutive starts since recording a no-hitter on July 2. In fact the Reds have lost five of his last six starts, with the only exception being the no-hitter. Another factor working against Bailey today is that he's been awful in day starts, with a record of 1-5, 5.13 ERA in nine starts this year in afternoon games. Take the Pirates here to avoid the sweep!
Homer Bailey will get the nod for the home team, and he's lost consecutive starts since recording a no-hitter on July 2. In fact the Reds have lost five of his last six starts, with the only exception being the no-hitter. Another factor working against Bailey today is that he's been awful in day starts, with a record of 1-5, 5.13 ERA in nine starts this year in afternoon games. Take the Pirates here to avoid the sweep!