The Pittsburgh Pirates got some help from their pitching staff on Thursday when Erik Bedard struck out 11 batters in five innings in Pittsburgh's 6-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. The Pirates hope that momentum carries over to Friday night as they start a three-game series with the Cincinnati Reds.

The Pirates send Kevin Correia to the mound to start Friday at PNC Park. In his last start on April 29, Correia was roughed up for three runs and five walks in four and a-third innings against the Atlanta Braves. Correia hopes to recapture his for from his first four starts where he struck out nine batters in 22.1 innings.

The Pirates bats hope to stay hot, but they have a stiff challenge against Cincinnati starting pitcher Johnny Cueto. Cueto is 3-0 with a 1.39 ERA. His last start was a seven inning gem, only allowing five hits while shutting out the Houston Astros on April 28. Cueto has not lost a game since August 6 of last season.

Correia will have to contend with Joey Votto, who hits very well at PNC Park, a .362 hitter with three home runs and 26 RBIs at the Pirates' home stadium.

The game is scheduled for a 7:05 p.m. first pitch with television coverage provided by Root Sports. Radio coverage will be provided by 93.7 KDKA-FM.