Despite losing the first two games of this series by one run each, the Reds still lead the season series against Pittsburgh, 9-6. And, now, the Reds have Pirates-killer Johnny Cueto on the mound.

Cueto is in the argument for best right-hander in the National League. Cueto is 15-8 with a 2.26 ERA. He's been even more of a monster when pitching during the day where he's 7-2 with a 1.65 ERA.

Cueto has dominated the Pirates going 5-0 with a 1.74 ERA in his last eight starts, including 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA this year. Cincinnati has won 11 of Cueto's last 15 starts.

The Pirates are going with Francisco Liriano and carry a bullpen fatigue rating in their bullpen. Liriano is 0-5 with a 4.25 ERA in seven career starts versus the Reds. The Pirates are 2-6 in Liriano's last eight home games.

Liriano is just 1-5 at home this year with a 4.78 ERA. He's 0-5 with a 3.51 ERA in day games this year.