THE BULLPEN

     Take me out to the ballgame! Your Pittsburgh Pirates open a 6-game homestand tonight as they begin a 3-game set with the Cincy Reds at PNC Park. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)The Pirates limp back home having lost 3 straight to the St Louie Cardinals. During that sweep, the Pirates lost each game in heartbreaking, extra-inning fashion. There was good news and bad news to take from the St Louie series. The good news is the pitching staff held the Cardinals to just 7 runs in 3 games. Unfortunately, the bad news is that the Buccos only managed 4 runs in those 3 games. The opposing team's feelings won't be hurt if you score more runs than they do. Avoid loss #4 with some Hit, Run & Score! 2)Speaking of sweeps, the Pirates will look to avenge the sweep that they suffered in Cincy in the first series of the season. The Black-N-Gold needs to beat the Reds black & blue. Score early, score often, score BIG! 3)Cincy starts RH Michael Lorenzen, 0-1, 5.40 ERA. The Pirates counter with LH Jeff Locke, 2-1, 4.76 ERA. Locke down Cincy! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!