The Cincinnati Reds (53-42) entered the 2013 season as favorites to win the National League Central division, and while they may still accomplish that goal, the Reds have encountered unexpected resistance from the second place Pittsburgh Pirates (56-37). Tonight at 7:10 p.m., the two teams square off as Cincy attempts to close the four-game gap between them a series opener that can be live streamed here. Reds fans can listen to the game on WLW 700 while Pirates fans can listen to their broadcast on KDKA-FM 93.7.
The Pirates will trot out Francisco Liriano (9-3, 2.00 ERA) to begin the second half of their stellar 2013 campaign. Liriano has been one of the biggest surprises in baseball this year, flashing the promise he showed way back in 2006, when he finished third in the American League Rookie of the Year voting.
Liriano has battled both injuries and ineffectiveness since that electric 2006 season, varying from brilliant to unwatchable at times, but always relying on his vicious stuff. That movement and velocity has left him to an extent however; his stuff is still good, but not necessarily the fodder for hitters' nightmares. He is different now, saying, "I'm just trying to learn how to go out there every fifth day and make pitches."
The trio of outfielders Andrew McCutchen, Starling Marte, and third baseman Pedro Alvarez have provided the pop to back up their shockingly good staff. Still, the Reds have some great pitching as well, and more than enough bats in their own lineup to catch Pittsburgh.
The Reds turn to Mike Leake (8-4, 2.69 ERA) tonight, and have one of the game's purest hitters, first baseman Joey Votto, providing the muscle for Cincinnati's lineup. Votto has been an All-Star four years running, and is hitting .318 with 15 home runs this year. He is also second in all of baseball in on-base percentage, posting a .434 mark for the first half.
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