The Pittsburgh Pirates opened this series with a 3-2 triumph Friday night, and I think they'll make it two in a row here with Ivan Nova on the mound.

Nova (3-5, 4.68 ERA) struck out eight in 5 2/3 innings, giving up one run and four hits in a 7-1 win over the Cubs in Chicago his last time out. It was his first start since returning from the disabled list (sprained right ring finger). "Just the way that the ball was coming out of my hand, I could tell the difference right away," Nova said. "To be able to pitch a game like (that) ... I think that's kind of a lesson for you. Don't force it."

The Reds turn to Luis Castillo (4-7, 5.79 ERA) who served up a pair of homers in the first inning and was responsible for five of the runs in a 6-4 loss to the Cards his last time out. He did however set a career-high 10 strikeouts. "You saw the talent of Castillo," Cincinnati manager Jim Riggleman said. "The last three innings that he threw were outstanding, and it's exciting to know that this guy has got a chance to be around here for a very long time. He's just going to get better and better once he gets past these growing pains."

Pirates are 6-1 in the last 7 meetings with the Reds here at PNC park and under is 10-2 in Nova's last 12 home starts.

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