The Cincinnati Reds will try to salvage the finale of a three-game home series against the last-place Pittsburgh Pirates and keep pace in the National League wild-card race in a Thursday matinee.

The contest will serve as the final home finale for the Reds (80-78) before they close the season with three games in Milwaukee with the National League Central-champion Brewers.

The Pirates (69-89) played the role of spoiler over the past two games, beating Cincinnati 4-2 on Tuesday and 4-3 in 11 innings on Wednesday.

The Reds, who have not been swept in a series at home all season, will send left-hander Nick Lodolo (8-8, 3.44 ERA) to the mound on Thursday. The Pirates will counter with rookie right-hander Braxton Ashcraft (4-3, 2.62).

Cincinnati opened the series tied with the New York Mets

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