Pirates Preview: Falter Looks to Take Series With Cincy

The Pittsburgh Pirates (73-81) took game one of their road series with the Cincinnati Reds (79-76) with a 7-5 win on Friday night. With Cincinnati 1.5 games out of the last wild card spot, the Buccos look to play spoiler.

First pitch is set for 6:40pm, with the game aired on AT&T Sportsnet.

Weather:

Temperatures will sit in the mid 70s at first pitch. The forecast calls for clear skies and the wind blowing in at 10 miles per hour.

Starters:

The Pirates will send left-hander Bailey Falter (2-9, 4.58 ERA, 59 SO) to the mound.

Cincinnati will counter with rookie right-hander Connor Phillips (1-0, 5.74 ERA, 17 SO), making his fourth career start.

Matchups:

Reds’ Hitters vs Falter

• Spencer Steer: 3-for-4, one home run and one walk
• Tyler Stephenson: 3-for-6
• Joey Votto: 0-for-2

Pirates’ Hitters vs Phillips

• N/A

Tidbits:

• A Pirates loss or a win by the Cubs or Diamondbacks will officially eliminate Pittsburgh from postseason contention.

Links:

Mitch Keller Closing in on Milestone, Pirates’ History (+)

Pirates Prospect Nick Gonzalez Hits for Cycle

Pirates Select Kyle Nicolas From Indy; McCutchen Transferred to 60-Day IL

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