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Reds aim to get Latos untracked in Steel City

May 6, 2012 - 2:48 PM (Sports Network) - Mat Latos has struggled this season, allowing at least four runs three times. On Sunday, the right-hander faces a team he's not yet lost to.

Latos, who is 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA in three games vs. the Pirates, will be on the mound for the Reds today when they close out a three-game set at PNC Park. Latos is coming off an outing against Houston a week ago when he gave up 10 hits and five runs over 6 1/3 innings.

Charlie Morton has also had a difficult time of late. The righty yielded eight hits and five earned runs over 4 1/3 frames in a 10-7 loss at St. Louis on Tuesday. He's 4-4 with a 3.79 ERA lifetime when facing Cincinnati. Morton went 3-0 with a 0.93 ERA in four starts last season, including two complete games against the Reds.

Last night, Neil Walker hit a two-run home run and Alex Presley added a solo shot as the Pittsburgh Pirates earned a 3-2 win.

James McDonald (2-1) allowed one run on six hits and two walks while striking out seven through 6 1/3 innings to earn the win.

"Another strong outing from James. First pitch strikes...only three three-ball counts," Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle said.

Joel Hanrahan tossed a perfect ninth to record his fifth save of the season as Pittsburgh won for the second time in three games.

Mike Leake (0-4) gave up three runs on four hits and four walks in seven full frames for the Reds, who had their two-game win streak snapped.

"I think he just made two bad pitches...he pitched good," Reds manager Dusty Baker said.

The Reds are 998-1,037 all-time vs the Pirates, including 5-10 in 2011.