The 79-75 Cincinnati Reds trail the Chicago Cubs and the Miami Marlins by half a game for the last Wild Card spot in the NL and need to care of business tonight when they open a 3-game set with the 72-81 Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park. Lefty Andrew Abbott is expected on the hill for the Big Red Machine. He is 8-5 with a 3.68 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. The Bucs have yet to announce a starter for tonight, but it will probably be Luis L Ortiz, who is 4-5 with a 4.85 ERA and a 1.73 WHIP. The Reds were off yesterday, and this is their last homestand of the regular season so they will be ready. Losing is not an option for Cincinnati.
TONIGHT’S PICK: CINCINNATI REDS