The Reds are gonna blow this aren't they? If they get swept at home by a bad Pirates team, they absolutely don't deserve a wild card spot. But the Mets and Diamondbacks both also lost last night so Cincy still is in decent shape ahead of the home finale. No Oneil Cruz most likely for PIT after he left last night's game injured. Reds starter Nick Lodolo dominated in a win over the Bucs early this season.

Are the Reds really ready to be swept out, at home no less after sweeping four from the Cubs, against the lowly Pirates? Cincy's offense picked a bad time to stall the past two nights as the Bucs, still playing hard, took advantage. Though we suspect the Reds will rally today and avoid an embarrassing sweep, as they'll be taking swings against Braxton Ashcraft, one of the hyped Pirates call-ups. Ashcraft mostly worked out of the bullpen this season, and whatever the sequence, expect a conga line of Bucs hurlers on Thursday. Reds starter Nick Lodolo has a win over Pittsburgh earlier this season,... now, will the Mets continue losing to keep the Reds in the wild card chase? Play Reds on Run Line