Game time: 1:10PM ET
Probable starters:
PIT: Charlie Morton (6-4, 4.61 ERA)
CIN: Keyvius Sampson (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Right-hander Keyvius Sampson will make his first career start when the Reds and Pirates wrap up a four-game series on Sunday at Great American Ball Park. First pitch is at 1:10 p.m. ET.
Sampson made his Major League debut earlier in the series when he came out of the bullpen on Thursday to strike out two in one scoreless inning of relief. Sampson is 3-6 with a 3.38 ERA in 16 appearances, including 15 starts, between Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Louisville this season.
Sampson could be the new addition to Reds' rotation after Mike Leake was traded to the Giants on Friday. However, Reds manager Bryan Price has yet to commit to Sampson claiming the spot.
"It's a spot start," Price said. "There's no guarantees beyond tomorrow, but it does give us a better chance to look at him and give him a chance to use his full mix."
Opposite of Sampson will be Pirates right-hander Charlie Morton, who is looking to get back on track after a rough recent stretch. Morton started the season 5-0 with a 1.62 ERA in his first five starts, but since then, he is 1-4 with a 7.30 ERA in his last seven starts.
Things to know about this game
• Sampson will be the fifth straight rookie to start for the Reds for the first time since Sept. 15-18, 1935, according to STATS. He will also be the 12th Reds pitcher to start a game this season.
• Morton has yet to face the Reds this season, but he is 5-7 with a 4.34 ERA in 16 career starts against Cincinnati. With his 17th career start against the Reds on Sunday, Morton has faced Cincinnati more than any other team in the Majors.
• Reds left fielder Marlon Byrd looks to remain hot on Sunday. Byrd has hits in all three games of this series, including home runs on Thursday and Friday. However, he is 1-for-12 with one RBI in his career against Morton.
http://m.mlb.com/news/article/140442762 ... _pk=415220
BEAT 'EM BUCS!!!
one fine outing by Charlie!! cooled the reds bats nicely... im assuming hes done after 7..
