Pirates at Reds Game Three: Preview, Predictions, Predilections, and Perspicacity

The Reds and Pirates went 12 innings last night so let’s all turn around and crank up the rubber match before lunch. Jams.

Luis Castillo will be tossing for the Reds to start this one off. April was pretty rough for the kid, but since the calendar flipped to May he has not allowed more than two earned runs in any one start. He walked five Cubs his last time out, which is really bad, but he was able to avoid any major malfunctions and the Reds were able to pull off the victory.

Ivan Nova is starting for Pittsburgh. He has been doing his thing, never walking a single soul, but he has been cuffed around pretty stiffly so far this season. Here’s hoping the Reds’ lineup can get after him early and often.

Reds Lineup

Pirates Lineup

Other Notes

• In light of my Scooter soliloquy yesterday, he went right ahead and had himself another great game last night. He bonked yet another bagoingo (that’s nine on the season) and even walked twice.
• Anyone else think about this when you see Steve Brault pitching?
• Michael Lorenzen made his season debut last night, pitching a clean tenth inning. He gave up a walk and a hit but nary a run. That’s good.