Reds' Price expects better performances in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH -- Music was blaring in the Pittsburgh Pirates clubhouse late Wednesday night.
Coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. on FOX Sports Ohio
That's not all that unusual, but it seemed just a little louder than normal, and the players seemed more upbeat.
That's because they not only avoided a sweep by St. Louis, but also ended an eight-game losing streak with a 4-3 victory against the Cardinals.
That will allow the Pirates to go into a four-game home series against the Cincinnati Reds starting Thursday without that skid hanging over them.
Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle preaches the day-at-a-time approach as much as anyone, but seemed as relieved as anyone.
"Absolutely," he said, smiling. "You play to win. You want to play well, and you have a process we follow (but) winning's better than losing. I've figured that much out."
Hurdle is one win shy of becoming the sixth Pirates manager in history to reach 500 wins with the club.
For the first time in several days, the Pirates are in a better spot then their opponent. Pittsburgh (68-69) can get back to .500 with a strong weekend and still has a shot at the postseason, trailing St. Louis -- which holds the second wild-card spot -- by 4 1/2 games.
Cincinnati has lost four in a row and eight of 10 and is playing out the season.
The Reds on Wednesday lost at home 6-3 to New York, giving the Mets a three-game sweep. Cincinnati is 57-81 but has played Pittsburgh close. The Pirates hold a 6-5 edge in 11 meetings and outscored the Reds by only 40-39.
Cincinnati made three outs on the bases early and missed a lot of opportunities Wednesday against the Mets. Manager Bryan Price describes that as atypical, even for his underachieving club.
In fact, Price guaranteed better performances at PNC Park.
"When you're (this) far under .500, to have regular games like this as a regular part of what we're doing would make it a way more challenging season than it already is," Price told MLB.com. "Guys, for the most part, have really played hard and played relatively to their ability and sometimes beyond. (Wednesday) will be something we don't see for a long time. I'm confident in that. This isn't our typical game by any means. We will certainly play better in Pittsburgh."
The Reds had runners on base in every inning Wednesday but stranded 12, going 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position.
"It's a tough series, but hopefully we get back on track against Pittsburgh and try to finish the season strong," Anthony DeSclafani, who took the loss Wednesday, told MLB.com.
Right-hander Dan Straily (11-7, 3.83 ERA) is scheduled to start Thursday for Cincinnati. He's already made a career-high 29 appearances and makes his career-high 28th start. He is 2-1 with a 3.23 ERA in seven appearances (four starts) against Pittsburgh.
The Pirates counter with right-hander Ivan Nova (11-6, 4.34).
Nova is 4-0 with a 2.89 ERA in his first six starts since Pittsburgh acquired him from the Yankees on Aug. 1. He allowed two runs in six innings in a no-decision Saturday against Milwaukee in his last start.
