Friday, April 16, 1999SCOUTING REPORT
Pirates (4-4) at Reds (3-5)
• Where: Cinergy Field.
• When: 7:05 p.m. today, 1:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
• Radio: WLW-AM (700).
• TV: Fox Sports Ohio, Sunday only.
At the plate
A revived offense has helped the Pirates rejuvenate their fortunes. Their .279 team average ranked third in the NL entering Thursday's games. By contrast, they ranked 11th in the league last year with a .254 average.All-Star catcher Jason Kendall was hitting .394, ninth in the league, with five multi-hit games. He also ranked third in runs scored (nine) and ninth in on-base percentage (.459).
The Pirates acquired several accomplished veterans this past offseason to help solidify their roster, including infielders Mike Benjamin and Ed Sprague and outfielders Brant Brown and Brian Giles. Rookie Warren Morris also has provided a boost at second base.
On the mound
• Today: Brett Tomko (0-0, 6.75) vs. Jason Schmidt (2-0, 1.38).• Saturday: Jason Bere (1-0, 4.76) vs. TBA.
• Sunday: Steve Avery (1-1, 2.45) vs. Pete Schourek (0-1, 7.88).
Outlook
This will be an intriguing matchup. Some experts believe that, like the Reds, the Pirates have enough talent to contend for a wild-card berth, if not the division title.The Pirates won seven of last year's 12 meetings, though the Reds swept a three-game series to end the season. Brett Tomko, tonight's starting pitcher, notched a complete game in the season finale.
Reds Stories
Casey at the stats
Limiteds sue, say Schott is wangling
REDS NOTEBOOK
SCOUTING REPORT
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DRAFT PREVIEW: CORNERBACKS
NFL Draft Order
LeClair makes Hall
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CINCINNATI HIGH SCHOOLS RESULTS
HOCKEY TONIGHT