The Pittsburgh Pirates returned from a three-day break and pounded the Cincinnati Reds 9-6 last night. It was a much-needed win as they were coming off being swept by the Tigers and then their series with St. Louis had been postponed. The Pirates had lost three in a row and 10 of 11 before last night's win. The Pirates will send Chad Kuhl to the mound for today's start. He is 0-0 this season with a 2.00 ERA. In his last outing against the Tigers, he went four innings giving up one run on one hit with no walks and seven strikeouts. In six starts against the Reds in his career, he is 2.51 ERA.


The Reds are in need of wins as they find themselves 6.5 games behind the Cubs for the top spot in the NL Central. The Reds will turn to Sonny Gray for today's start. On the season, he has posted a 3-1 record with 2.25 ERA, with eight walks, and 35 strikeouts in 24 innings. In his last outing, he went 5.1 innings, giving up four runs on six hits with three walks and seven strikeouts. Against the Pirates in his career, he is 2-3 with a 4.71 ERA, with eight walks and 24 strikeouts over 28.2 innings in six career appearances.

The Reds have been up and down this season and were considered by many at the beginning of the season as a contender. They do have gray going today which gives them an edge. Pittsburgh has been bad in all phases of the game especially pitching. Gray will keep the Pirates in check and the Reds will put some runs up against the Pirates staff.

Play on the Cincinnati Reds on the run-line -1.5 runs.