Cincinnati at Pittsburgh - Apr 5^th 2018 7:05 PM ^ET Preview

The Pittsburgh Pirates were the last team to suffer their first loss of the season, and they’ll try to resume their hot start when they host the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday for the opener of a four-game series. The Reds are starting a seven-game road trip following two consecutive days off.

The Pirates have seen their share of dramatic games in the first week of the season, following up a 13-inning victory on Opening Day with two one-run games. Their 7-3 loss on Wednesday was their most lopsided contest thus far. The Reds also have played a pair of one-run games along with a 2-0 loss on Opening Day. After a 1-0 win over the Chicago Cubs on Monday, they were rained out in the finale of the two-game series and had a scheduled day off Wednesday.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Homer Bailey (0-1, 1.50 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Steven Brault (1-0, 0.00)

Opening Day went as well as could be expected for Bailey, who allowed one run and four hits over six innings but took the tough-luck loss against Washington. The 31-year-old typically doesn’t start the season on a good note – he’s 3-9 with a 4.63 ERA in March and April during his career. Bailey won both of his starts against the Pirates last year and is 10-6 with a 3.39 ERA in 21 career meetings.

Brault figures to be a valuable swingman for the Pirates, and he’s already being called upon to make a spot start. The 25-year-old threw three scoreless innings in relief on Opening Day, allowing two hits and one walk while notching the win. Primarily a starter in the minors, Brault is 1-3 with a 4.35 ERA in 11 big-league starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates 3B David Freese is 8-for-26 with two doubles and two homers against Bailey.

2. Reds speedsters Billy Hamilton and Jose Peraza have not yet attempted to steal a base after combining for 82 steals in 103 tries a year ago.

3. Pittsburgh SS Jordy Mercer sat out Wednesday with a jammed right pinky finger suffered diving back into first base Monday, but he expects to be back in the lineup Thursday.