T.M. Selection: Reds (10* GAME OF THE WEEK).

The Pirates managed to snap their three-game slide with a 6-5 win at Chicago, but I think they'll make an immediate return to mediocrity here. The Reds two-game streak was broken with 9-2 loss at Cleveland on Saturday. The Reds have the better in form starting pitcher in the opener of this series, and I expect that to be the difference maker. Tyler Mahle (1-1, 3.23 ERA) is coming off a poor start vs. the Cubs, giving up six runs and striking out six over six innings in a no-decision. Overall he's been sharp thoug, and so is his 41/11 K/W thus far. Mitch Keller (2-3, 6.29 ERA), enters off his best start of the season, going five scoreless vs. the Padres. Previous to that, Keller has been a complete disaster, so expect a return to the norm tonight after his most recent overachieving gem last time out. I'm laying the price, and expecting a decisive victory!

T.M. Prediction: 6-3 Cincinnati.