Reds vs Pirates Preview: Big Pitchers, Big Moments

The Reds came up short yesterday. Pittsburgh crushed a pair of homers and tied it up, but Cincinnati clawed back in the eighth. Marte smacked a two-run homer to left-center to seal a 6-4 win for the Reds. Now they're sitting 37-42, and they need to keep this winning feeling alive. Chase Burns takes the mound for Cincinnati today. The Pirates are hungry too—they've won two straight. Let's see if the Reds can make it back-to-back victories at PNC Park.

Jared Jones is Pittsburgh's starter today. The young righty made his MLB debut last year and now he's fighting to prove he belongs in this league. His ERA sits at 6.55—not where he wants it to be. But Jones is only 23 years old with tons of potential. He's got 11 strikeouts already this season. Today at PNC Park in front of the home crowd, Jones gets a chance to show he can compete at the highest level.

Cincinnati's rotation is banged up. Hunter Greene won't be back until early July—his elbow is still healing from surgery. Nick Lodolo got hit by a comebacker but looks okay to pitch. Blake Dunn left yesterday's game with elbow trouble and his status is uncertain. The Reds need their pitchers healthy and throwing strikes. Pittsburgh's offense scored four runs yesterday and can hit for power. Chase Burns has to be sharp today. If Cincinnati's staff can shut down the Pirates' bats, the Reds stay in this series fight.