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Reds-Pirates Preview

Aug 3, 2010 - 4:22 AM By BRETT HUSTON STATS Writer

Cincinnati (59-47) at Pittsburgh (36-68), 7:05 p.m. EDT

The Pittsburgh Pirates couldn't handle the Cincinnati Reds' rookie starter who's been in the majors for a month, so there's little reason to expect they'll be able to solve the one who's been consistently getting outs all season.

The Pirates have put up two runs in their last 38 innings, an offensive drought Mike Leake will try to prolong as the division-leading Reds look for a fourth consecutive win Tuesday night at PNC Park.

Cincinnati (60-47) has won seven of 11 meetings in this season series, holding Pittsburgh to 24 runs. Travis Wood made sure the Pirates' offensive struggles would continue in Monday's series opener, giving up two singles in seven innings, while Miguel Cairo - filling in for injured NL home leader Joey Votto - drove in a pair of runs in a 4-0 win.

It was the fourth shutout for Cincinnati over Pittsburgh (36-69), but the Pirates' problems aren't limited to when they face the Reds. Manager John Russell's team, which has dropped five straight overall, has totaled two runs in its last four games while recording only two extra-base hits.

Leake (7-2, 3.57 ERA) could keep Pittsburgh's bats silent. The right-hander's 3.02 road ERA is nearly a run lower than at home, and he's posted a 2.51 ERA in two outings against the Pirates, though he hasn't received a decision.

He'll be looking to bounce back from his first road defeat. Leake surrendered four runs and seven hits - including two home runs - over 6 1-3 innings of a 4-0 loss at Houston on July 25.

Leake, 22, hasn't started since as the Reds have opted to take a cautious approach with him the rest of the season. Manager Dusty Baker, who has developed a reputation of letting young starters rack up innings without hesitation, may limit Leake's pitch count to 90 to avoid overworking him.

"I think it continues to be of great importance to us organizationally that we don't ask this kid to do more than he needs to do," pitching coach Bryan Price told the Reds' official website. "... However, I hate to put a limitation or cap on anybody that's throwing the ball well."

If there's a concern for Leake, it's a recent rise in his home-run rate. Opponents have taken him deep seven times in his last five starts, the same amount of homers he allowed in his first 14 outings.

The Pirates haven't homered off him, and have hit only four against Cincinnati all season.

Paul Maholm (6-9, 4.52) gets the ball for Pittsburgh, though he may not have expected to pitch in a Pirates uniform again. Pittsburgh shopped the left-hander prior to Saturday's trade deadline, but ultimately held onto its highest-paid player ($4.5 million).

He'll be eager to erase the memories of his last start. Maholm gave up eight runs and 11 hits - both season highs - over 5 1-3 innings of a 9-3 loss Thursday at Colorado.

Facing the Reds might be just what Maholm needs. He's 3-1 with a 2.25 ERA since 2007 against them, including 1-0 with a 1.32 ERA in two starts this season.

Cincinnati hopes to get Votto back Tuesday from a sprained right wrist, but the All-Star may not be eager to face Maholm. He's 3 for 16 (.188) in their matchups.

Second baseman Brandon Phillips is 14 for 40 (.350) with four homers off Maholm.