Reds at Pirates
The Cincinnati Reds haven't had much reason to smile during what has rapidly turned into a disastrous season, however, their dominance over the Pittsburgh Pirates is cause enough to celebrate. The cellar-dwelling Reds vie for their eighth win in nine encounters versus the Pirates this season when the National League Central rivals play the second contest of a three-game series at PNC Park on Wednesday.
Speedy Billy Hamilton showed some uncharacteristic power with a three-run blast in Tuesday's 9-1 triumph, marking his fourth homer of the season and second versus Pittsburgh this season. Like his team, the 26-year-old has found success against the Pirates by going 11-for-37 with nine RBIs and as many runs scored. While Cincinnati has answered a dismal 2-14 stretch by winning its second straight game overall and increasing its run total to 49-25 against Pittsburgh this season, the Pirates have dropped five of six to fall 6 1/2 games behind first-place Chicago. Adam Frazier registered his eighth three-hit performance of the season in the opener to improve to 9-for-14 with two RBIs scored in his last five games.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Robert Stephenson (0-4, 7.86 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Trevor Williams (4-4, 4.53)
Stephenson's lack of control proved costly on Thursday as he allowed a career-high seven walks over 4 1/3 innings in a 4-1 setback at Miami. "I knew what was going on, but I just wasn't able to fix it," the 24-year-old said of the 92-pitch outing. Stephenson surrendered a solo shot to Derek Dietrich to account for the fifth homer he's permitted in his last three outings (11 2/3 innings) after yielding five others in his previous 22 2/3 frames this season.
Williams settled for a hard-luck no-decision on Wednesday despite allowing just one run on five hits in six innings at San Francisco. The 25-year-old has permitted three earned runs or fewer in seven of his last eight outings, but only has a 1-1 mark during that stretch. Williams has received a no-decision against the Reds on two occasions this season, yielding four runs on five hits - including two homers - in four innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cincinnati 2B Jose Peraza carries a five-game hitting streak into Wednesday's tilt and is 15-for-36 versus Pittsburgh this season.
2. Pirates C Francisco Cervelli, who is hitless in his last three contests, is 2-for-27 in his last seven games.
3. Reds 1B Joey Votto is 9-for-23 with a homer, three RBIs and four runs scored during his six-game hitting streak.