The series: The Reds (32-48, fifth place in the National League Central) vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates (29-50, sixth place in NL Central), today and Tuesday 7:05 p.m., Wednesday 1:15 p.m. and Thursday 12:35 p.m. at Cinergy Field.

        Radio: WLW (700-AM).

        TV: Fox Sports Net today and Tuesday.

        The bats: The Pirates are last in the NL in hitting and second to last in runs scored. Brian Giles (.330, 18 home runs, 49 RBI) is having a solid year. Aramis Ramirez (.281, 14 HRs, 50 RBI) is the other big run producer. Derek Bell (.161) and Kevin Young (.229) are struggling.

        The arms:

Today LH Lance Davis (1-0, 4.60 ERA) vs. RH Jason Schmidt (4-3, 5.88)

        Tuesday RH Elmer Dessens (6-4, 4.26) vs. RH Todd Ritchie (4-8, 4.07)

        Wednesday RH Brian Reith (0-6, 7.12) vs. LH Joe Beimel (3-4, 4.63)

        Thursday RH Jose Acevedo () vs. LH Dave Williams (1-1, 4.15).

        The Pirates are last in the NL in ERA. A big reason for that is they have four starters on the disabled list.

        The rest: The Pirates have twice taken two of three from the Reds in a series this year.

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