Pre-game News and Notes: Pirates @ Reds 4/18
The Pittsburgh Pirates (7-8) will face the Cincinnati Reds (9-6) for the fourth and final game of the series.
With the Bucs 7-6 wild victory last night, they are looking to win their third road series in as many tries. The last time the Pirates won three consecutive road series was in April of 2002 (Mets, Cubs, Brewers).
Right-hander Kevin Correia (2-1, 2.70 ERA) will start for the Pirates against left-hander Travis Wood (1-1, 3.86 ERA).
Correia suffered his first loss against the Brewers last start. After tossing five no-hit innings, Correia allowed four runs in the 6th (including a three-run homer to Prince Fielder). Correia has been solid for the Bucs so far this season. He allowed just two runs during his first two starts (13 innings). Correia has also pitched at least six innings in each of his first three starts this season.
Wood is coming off a no-decision in which he allowed just one run on five hits, over 6.2 innings against the San Diego Padres. His second start of the season, wasn’t as pretty. He allowed six earned runs over five frames against the Diamondbacks. Wood has pitched into the seventh in two of his three starts this season.
News and Notes:
- Ronny Cedeno’s bunt in the 8th inning of the Pirates 7-6 victory of the Reds’s was his idea. With runners on first and third, Cedeno bunted towards pitcher Logan Ondrusek, who fielded the ball and threw it to catcher Ryan Hannigan, to barely tag out a sliding Garrett Jones at home plate.
A controversial play that got twitter a buzzing.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Bill Brink of the Post-Gazette, “Actually if the bunt goes another foot, we’re safe. It didn’t go enough, the guy made a great play. We take chances.”
- As It was pointed out yesterday, Garrett Jones is swinging a hot bat as of late. Last night he continued to hit as he went 2-for-4 with a run, RBI and a walk.
Jones has been putting in extensive time with hitting Coach Gregg Ritchie and Manager Clint Hurdle to make a few adjustments on his swing.
Jones told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “It’s all starting to come into place, feel better. I feel like I’m using my hands a lot better. I have hit some balls good the last few days and have had some good at-bats. I’m just going to try and keep that going, and keep that consistent. Every day I’m starting to feel better and where I want to be.”
Jones taking batting practice at great American ball park. *Photo credit: BucsInsider
Pirates:
Andrew McCutchen CF, Jose Tabata LF, Matt Diaz, RF, Neil Walker 2B, Steve Pearce 3B, Lyle Overbay 1B, Chris Snyder C, Ronny Cedeno SS, Kevin Correia RHP
Reds:
Drew Stubbs CF, Edgar Renteria SS, Joey Votto 1B, Scott Rolen 3B, Jonny Gomes LF, Jay Bruce RF, Miguel Cairo 2B, Ryan Hannigan C, Travis Wood LHP
Kristy Robinson
