The Pittsburgh Pirates open a three-game series with the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park tonight. First pitch is 6:35pm. WISR pre-game is 6:10pm. The Bucs and Reds play nine times over the final three weeks of the regular season.
The Pirates are 1-9 against the Reds this year, and have lost 22 of 29 games against opponents in the National League Central Division. The Reds enter the series a half-game in front of San Diego and St. Louis for the second National League Wild Card spot, but have lost six consecutive series.
The Padres lost 9-1 to San Francisco last night and have lost four games in a row. The Cardinals have won three straight after shutting out the New York Mets 7-0 last night.
The Los Angeles Dodgers control the other N.L. Wild Card.
In the American League, Toronto has the top Wild Card spot, with Boston and the New York Yankees tied for the final spot.
With their win over San Diego last night – the Giants have become the first MLB team to clinch a playoff spot.
This is Roberto Clemente Week, with events honoring the late Pittsburgh legend kicking off yesterday. Roberto Clemente Day will be observed across Major League Baseball by all teams Wednesday.