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This weekend puts the Reds still 2.5 games back on St. Louis, but they can provide themselves with some separation against the Pirates with this YET ANOTHER series against an in-division team. The Pirates don't look like the big bad Pirates we saw earlier this year, and considering this is the third series the Reds have played them, that's good news.
Unfortunately, our boys face Francisco Liriano tonight, who's been one of their best pitchers to this point in the year. He's pitched to the tune of a 2.36 ERA, and if you remember, was out-dueled by this same Mike Leake despite striking out 11 Redlegs. Let's hope he isn't bitter about it.
Speaking of Leake, this'll be the third time he's faced the Pirates, and we're only in June. He gave up 5 runs in a loss his first time, but bounced back to give up no runs in 6 innings his last time out. This'll be the first time this year he's faced them at home.
Thanks to that "save" from Simon yesterday, the bullpen looks pretty rested.
Go Reds! They're my favorite team!