Reds-Pirates Game 4 Preview

Apr 13, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Tony Cingrani throws against the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

When the Reds and Pirates meet Thursday in their four-game series finale, Pittsburgh will be sending out one of their future arms to the mound, who has pitched against  Cincinnati before.

Brandon Cumpton, ranked as the Pirates’ No. 12 prospect, will get the call to replace injured left-hander Wandy Rodriguez. Cumpton made five starts (six appearances) for the Pirates last season, and in the final one blanked the Reds on two hits over five innings.

Pitching for Cincinnati will be lefty Tony Cingrani, who is coming off a subpar outing Saturday, when he was an 8-4 loser to the Cubs. Cingrani threw 104 pitches over five innings with three runs, four hits and four walks. Much of the damage was inflicted by Chicago on the Reds’ bullpen, however.

“I’ve been battling myself the last couple starts and just trying to find that command and consistent mechanics. It just hasn’t been working well the last couple starts,” Cingrani said.

Firs pitch will be at 12:35pm on FSN Ohio or radio always on 700 WLW. After the game this afternoon, they will head down to Atlanta to take on the Braves, the last stop in their three cities 10 game road trip.