Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati preview
Great American Ball Park
Last Meeting ( Aug 4, 2012 ) Pittsburgh 4, Cincinnati 5
The presence of the Pittsburgh Pirates has done nothing to slow down the streaking Cincinnati Reds. Cincinnati has won five consecutive games as it seeks to complete a three-game home sweep of the Pirates in Sunday’s finale. The Reds, who have the best record in the majors, have won 15 of 16 games to open up a 5 1/2-game lead over Pittsburgh in the National League Central. The Pirates have lost four of six games.
Pittsburgh starter A.J. Burnett is 2-0 against the Reds this season and is coming off a one-hit shutout against the Chicago Cubs. Burnett was four outs away from his second career no-hitter when he allowed a hit. Cincinnati starter Homer Bailey is 6-1 against Cincinnati with the loss occurring earlier this season. The Reds have been racking up the victories despite first baseman Joey Votto (knee) being on the disabled list and second baseman Brandon Phillips (calf) missing the last four games.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Root Sports (Pittsburgh), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH A.J. Burnett (13-3, 3.27 ERA) vs. Reds RH Homer Bailey (9-6, 3.85)
Burnett’s next victory will be the second-most in his career. He won 18 games for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2008. Burnett has won three straight decisions and has allowed only three runs during the stretch, all on solo homers. He has a 2.25 ERA against Cincinnati this season and is 4-3 with a 4.96 ERA in nine career starts against the Reds.
Bailey has received no-decisions in his last two outings after winning four consecutive starts. He was hit hard in his last start when he allowed six runs and nine hits in 3 2/3 innings against the San Diego Padres. Bailey has allowed six runs three times, one coming in his only career loss against the Pirates on June 5. He has a 2.62 ERA in nine career starts against Pittsburgh.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cincinnati closer Aroldis Chapman hasn’t been scored on in his last 19 appearances. Overall, he has 100 strikeouts in 53 2/3 innings.
2. Pirates OF Andrew McCutchen is batting .364 in 22 career at-bats against Bailey.
3. Reds 3B Scott Rolen had two RBIs in Saturday’s game, but is hitting only .120 in 25 career at-bats against Burnett.