They'll try to maintain their NL Central lead Tuesday night when they continue a three-game home series with the Cincinnati Reds.
7:05 PM ET, July 19, 2011
PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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This is the latest that Pittsburgh has been in first since Bonds won his second NL MVP award in 1992 as the Pirates captured a third straight NL East crown. Bonds left for San Francisco the next season, and Pittsburgh hasn't had a winning year since.
Behind a pitching staff vastly improved from last year's group that posted a major league-worst 5.00 ERA and exciting youngsters like All-Star Andrew McCutchen and Neil Walker, there is reason to believe the Pirates' fortunes have changed.
Pittsburgh is seeking to win six straight against Cincinnati (47-49) for the first time since a nine-game run in 1991. The Pirates lead the season series 6-1.
"The Pirates have had our number all year, man," Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips said. "I don't know what it is, but I'll tell you one thing: They're a good team, they're for real."
Charlie Morton continued his success against Cincinnati by pitching five innings Monday. He's won all three starts against the Reds this season, allowing one run over 23 innings.
Walker had two hits and scored a run. He extended his hitting streak to 12 games, and he's batting .460 with 10 RBIs during his run.
Another young infielder, Chase d'Arnaud, made a diving play at shortstop to rob Miguel Cairo of a hit with the bases loaded in the first inning. The rookie, however, left the game in the fifth inning with stiffness in his neck after sliding hard into third base the inning before.
Cincinnati third baseman Scott Rolen was out of the lineup due to manager Dusty Baker's concerns about the veteran's sore right shoulder, but Rolen is expected to start Tuesday.
Jay Bruce went 0 for 2 with two walks after going 9 for 19 with four homers in his first five games against Pittsburgh this year. Joey Votto, meanwhile, had a single in four at-bats and is 7 for 22 with just one extra-base hit and two RBIs in the season series.
The Reds will turn to Mike Leake (8-4, 4.28 ERA), the lone Cincinnati pitcher to beat Pittsburgh this year. Leake allowed two runs over six innings of an 11-2 rout April 16, improving to 1-1 with a 2.13 ERA in four career starts against the Pirates.
The right-hander is 3-0 with a 2.13 ERA in his last four road starts.
James McDonald (5-4, 4.42) will face the Reds for the third time in 2011 after two contrasting outings. He allowed seven runs over 4 1/3 innings in losing to Leake in April, but held Cincinnati to a Bruce solo homer over 6 2/3 innings in a 5-3 win May 19.
Phillips is 4 for 6 in his career against McDonald, who is 2-0 with a 3.41 ERA in his last six starts.
