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Pirates Vs. Reds: James McDonald Tries To Keep The Momentum Going On Monday

Fresh off a sweep of the Cubs, the Pittsburgh Pirates will try to keep the momentum going in a three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds starting on Monday.

By Ryan Van Bibber
May 22, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher James McDonald (53) throws a pitch against the New York Mets during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE
May 22, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher James McDonald (53) throws a pitch against the New York Mets during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

Don't look now, but the Pittsburgh Pirates are rolling. Clint Hurdle's squad swept the Chicago Cubs over the weekend. On Monday, they start a new series against another National League Central foe, the Cincinnati Reds.

The Reds swing over to Pittsburgh with some momentum of their own, winning six of their last seven with an awesome power display. Welcoming them to Three Rivers is James McDonald, who has allowed only two home runs in over 57 innings of work this season. McDonald is 3-2 with a 2.51 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP. He is averaging a strikeout per inning and has issued only 18 walks this season. He struck out seven and allowed just one run in a May 5 win over Cincinnati.

Opposing McDonald is Bronson Arroyo. The Right-hander has a 3.22 ERA in nine starts this season.

The game starts at 1:35 p.m. Fans can watch it on ROOT Sports.

For more Pirates coverage, visit Bucs Dugout. For more on the Reds, head over to Red Reporter. News and updates from the Pirates' series will be available at SB Nation Pittsburgh.

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Photographs by dizfunk used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.