The Lead is 4.5 games.
Mike Leake and James McDonald squared off back on May 5th in Pittsburgh. McDonald recorded the win and Leake took the loss, but both pitched well. McDonald just pitched a bit better and the Bucs won 3-2. McDonald also faced the Reds on May 28th and he pitched arguably his best game of the season. So he's had some success against our boys this season. He had a rough July though (5.97 ERA in six starts) so maybe the shine is off the apple.
Aside from the crucial divisional match up, the big story line is the HBP incident last night in the 9th. Aroldis Chapman gave Andrew McCutchen a free base and a bruised shoulder with a 101 mph fastball. Some say it was intentional, and some say it wasn't. Regardless, the Pirates may decide to retaliate. Could be interesting.
The game is on MLB Network tonight, so out-of-towners are in for a treat. Go baseball and go Reds!
Johnny Cueto and Mat Latos have done well the past two days to give the bullpen some much-needed rest. Everyone should be technically available, but it sure would be nice if Leake could shut out the Pirates for nine innings and the offense could put up 11 runs or so.
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