PITTSBURGH (Interstat) — The Pittsburgh Pirates look to extend their recent dominance over the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at PNC Park, where a forecast of 75 degrees and rain could affect play. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The Pirates (41-40) enter the opener of a three-game series having won four of their last five, including a 5-1 victory over Seattle on Thursday. Right-hander Bubba Chandler (2-1 in his last three decisions) will start for Pittsburgh, coming off a strong outing against the Mariners in which he allowed one earned run over 5 1/3 innings, striking out four. Over his last five starts, Chandler has a 2.84 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 27 1/3 innings. Cincinnati (37-42) has lost three straight, including a 6-5 defeat to Milwaukee on Wednesday. Right-hander Rhett Lowder (0-2 in his last three outings) will take the mound for the Reds. Lowder lasted 5 2/3 innings against the Brewers, allowing three earned runs on eight hits with six strikeouts. He has a 3.67 ERA over his last four starts but has received little run support, with Cincinnati scoring a combined four runs in his three losses. The teams met last in early May at PNC Park, with Pittsburgh taking two of three, outscoring Cincinnati 27-8 in the series. The Pirates won 9-1 and 17-7 before the Reds salvaged a 1-0 victory in the finale. In their most recent matchup April 1, Pittsburgh won 8-3 at Cincinnati. The Interstat game simulator projects a 5-4 Pirates victory. Chandler will be tested by a Reds lineup that includes first baseman Spencer Steer, who had two hits, including a home run and two RBIs in Wednesday’s loss. Designated hitter Eugenio Suárez added two hits and an RBI. Pittsburgh’s offense has been productive, scoring at least five runs in five of its last six games. Catcher Henry Davis homered and drove in two runs Thursday, and reliever Mason Montgomery threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings. The series continues Saturday and Sunday before both teams hit the road: Cincinnati heads to Milwaukee on Monday for a four-game set, while Pittsburgh travels to Philadelphia for a four-game series.