Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 12, 2012 ) Pittsburgh 1, Cincinnati 2

Acting manager Chris Speier said the National League Central champion Cincinnati Reds plan to put out their regular lineup when they open a three-game series at the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. Ryan Ludwick is still hampered by a groin injury, but the Reds will try to gain some momentum heading into the playoffs after a dramatic come-from-behind victory over Milwaukee on Thursday. Cincinnati has scored just 10 runs in four games since clinching the division.

After dropping 20 of their last 26 games, the Pirates will need to win at least five of their final six to avoid a 20th consecutive losing season. Pittsburgh center fielder Andrew McCutchen (.332) fell to second in the National League batting race behind San Francisco’s Buster Posey (.333) and injured is left knee diving for a soft fly ball in the 6-5 loss at the New York Mets on Thursday. He is listed as questionable for Friday's game.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSO (Cincinnati), ROOT (Pittsburgh).

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Homer Bailey (12-10, 3.92) vs. Pirates RH A.J. Burnett (16-8, 3.53).

After four outstanding starts, Bailey gave up five runs over 6 2/3 innings against the Dodgers. He had allowed five runs in 29 innings over the previous four tilts, going 2-0. Bailey is 2-2 this season and 7-2 lifetime against the Pirates with a 2.83 ERA over 70 innings. The right-hander is 4-0 with a 1.75 ERA at the Pirates’ PNC Park.

Burnett broke a four-game losing streak with a solid performance against Houston in his last start. The hard-throwing right-hander gave up one run on four hits over eight innings to pull within two victories of his career high. Burnett had 18 wins with Toronto in 2008. He is 3-1 in four starts with a 2.36 ERA against the Reds this season and 5-4 lifetime.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Reds’ bullpen ERA is 2.66, best in the majors.

2. Pittsburgh has belted 19 homers in its last 17 games and has 166 on the season, its most since 2000 (168).

3. Cincinnati is 9-6 against the Pirates this season.