Hot-hitting Alejo Lopez and the Reds look to pillage and plunder the visiting Pirates

Previewing the pitching matchups: Reds vs. Pirates

Cincinnati Reds starter Mike Minor vs. Pittsburgh Pirates starter Bryse Wilson

Mike Minor (4-10 5.70 ERA) draws the assignment in tonight's opener against Bryse Wilson (2-8 6.11 ERA) of the Pirates. The Cincinnati Reds left-hander is looking to capture his fourth victorious decision in a row.

In his last three starts, Minor has allowed five runs in 17.1 innings of work. Additionally, the veteran southpaw has surrendered three earned runs or less in four of his last seven outings. His current win streak began with a Reds' 9-5 victory over the Bucs in the Steel City on August 21st.

Don't let Bryse Wilson's numbers fool you. He's been a tough customer for Reds' hitters this season. In two starts, the 24-year-old right-hander has been touched for only four earned runs in 13.2 frames. In addition, he's yet to issue a free pass to the Redlegs.

Cincinnati Reds starter Nick Lodolo vs. Pittsburgh Pirates starter Roansy Contreras

Neither manager has named a starter for either game in Tuesday's split doubleheader. However, Wednesday's matinee series finale will feature Nick Lodolo (4-5 3.78 ERA) battling Roansy Contreras (5-4 3.29 ERA) for Derek Shelton's club.

It's tough to be much better than Nick Lodolo's been over his last three starts. Tossing 21 innings, the rookie southpaw has allowed five runs while fanning 25 against just two bases on balls. This will be his first appearance versus the Pirates.

Fellow rookie Roansy Contreras has been excellent this season as the Reds saw first-hand at GABP in July. Completing six frames of one-run baseball, the right-hander mowed down seven Redlegs in a Bucs' 4-2 victory in the Queen City.