Tuesday, April 15, 7:10 PM on ROOT, FSOH

Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio

Pittsburgh - Cole, G (2-0) vs. Cincinnati - Leake, M (1-1)

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

The Pirates are 2 for 2 when Gerrit Cole (2-0) takes the mound and they look to continue that trend when taking on Mike Leake (1-1) and the division rival Cincinnati Reds. Cole is starting off strong in his first full year as a starter, allowing 2 and 3 runs in his two starts. The Pirates offense has eased the pressure by scoring 17 runs in that span but Cole's 10 strikeout performance in his last outing definitely doesn't hurt.

In Cole's 21 career starts he has never faced the Reds and the injured Skip Schumaker is the only Cincinnati player to have a plate appearance, going 0-3 last year with the Dodgers.

Mike Leake bounced back strong his last outing after giving up 4 ER and 2 HR in his season debut. In game 2 Leake pitched 8 innings of shutout ball as the Reds beat St. Louis 4-0. Leake lowered his ERA to 2.45 while recording his first win of the year.

Leake delivered in 2013 as the Reds were trying to chase Pittsburgh for 2nd place in the NL Central. The right-hander made 4 starts against the Bucs, winning 3 of them while keeping his ERA at 3.28 including allowing just 1 run over 13 innings in two June starts. To have success Tuesday Leake will need to retire Russell Martin, who is hitting .474 (9 for 19), and Andrew McCutchen, who has hit two HR against the pitcher.

Pittsburgh Betting Trends

Pittsburgh is 4-6-2 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Pittsburgh is +0.1

Cincinnati Betting Trends

Cincinnati is 5-6-1 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Cincinnati is +0.2

Injuries to Watch

Pittsburgh

03/30/14 C Chris Stewart Knee 15-day DL (3/21)

Cincinnati

04/09/14 P Trevor Bell Elbow 15-day DL (4/08)
04/02/14 P Brett Marshall Finger 60-day DL (3/30)
03/31/14 P Aroldis Chapman Concussion 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 3B Jack Hannahan Shoulder 60-day DL (3/30)
03/28/14 P Mat Latos Knee 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 P Sean Marshall Shoulder 15-day DL (3/21)
03/28/14 2B Skip Schumaker Shoulder 15-day DL (3/22)

Josh's Pick: Take Pittsburgh

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