The Battle of the .600 CLUBS in the NL Central...the Cincy RED LEGS travel to PNC for a "Battle Royale" with the New BUCCOS...as they both trail the REDBIRDS in the Central...A CUP of JOE in the SHOW Report #CINvsPIT 3-Game Set Preview

If I told you three out of the top four teams record-wise in the Show come out of the NL Central would you be shocked. Well two of those teams will hook up this weekend as the 2nd place Cincinnati Reds travel to PNC Park to play against the 3rd place Pittsburgh Pirates. The Reds struggled a bit losing their last two games before winning the first two vs in-state rival the Cleveland Indians. The Pittsburgh Pirates come off of taking three of four vs the AL Central leading Detroit Tigers. Both Teams as we go to press are chasing the number one team in the show the St. Louis Cardinals of Baseball Town USA.

3-Game Set @ PNC Park in the 'Burgh
RED LEGS vs BUCCOS

May 31 7:05pm ET

CIN Cueto (2-0) vs PIT Rodriguez (6-2)

June 1 7:15pm ET

CIN Leake (4-2) vs PIT Liriano (3-1)

June 2 1:35pm ET
CIN Latos (5-0) vs PIT Gomez (2-0)

In game one its Reds Ace Johnny Cueto looking good coming off that stint on the D.L. a week or so ago vs emerging Start from the Bump Rodriguez who leads the Buccos Staff with 6 wins.

In game two the Reds send solid starter Leake who is #2 in the Reds Rotation vs Buccos 2K13 Free Agent Pick up from the Pale Hose and former Twins Farmhand LHP Francisco Liriano.

In the rubber match it will be undefeated Latos vs a 2-0 Gomez in what should be a good one.

What to watch for...Relievers Aroldis Chapman (13/15 Svs 2.63 ERA) of the Reds vs arguably the Best Closer outside of Mo Rivera in the Buccos Jason Grilli (22/22 Svs 1.09 ERA). If your losing in the Ninth you might want to think Line up Card for next game facing these two.