THE BULLPEN

Play ball! It seems so long since we've heard that phrase. Your Pittsburgh Pirates kick-off the second half of the season with a 3-game set in Cincy tonight. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)The Pirates lead the season series 6 games to 4. However, when these 2 teams meet, it's more beanball than baseball. The best revenge is a win. Don't get sucked into their head games.The Pirates are hitting an NL-worst .230 with runners in scoring position. Don't leave those ducks on the pond! Beat 'em with the bats. Score early, score often, score BIG! 2)The Pirates have an MLB-best ERA of 3.07. Hold 'em Bucs! 3)The Pirates send LH Francisco Liriano to the hill tonight. Frankie is 9-3 with a 2.00 ERA. He's won 4 games in a row but has lost his 2 starts to Cincy this season. Both of those losses came against Reds RH Mike Leake, 8-4, 2.69 ERA, tonight's starter. Third times a charm, Frankie! Now that everyone is rested and ready to roll, get to BUCN with lots of Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!