Reds at Pirates Preview PITTSBURGH (Interstat) — The Pittsburgh Pirates aim to build on their most recent victory and even this weekend series against the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday afternoon at PNC Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. under a forecast of rain and 77 degrees. Pittsburgh (41-40) enters play one game above .500 and looking to gain ground in the National League Central. The Pirates beat Seattle 5-1 on Thursday, snapping a two-game losing skid. Right-hander Bubba Chandler (2-2, 3.30 ERA) is slated to start. Chandler earned the win in that outing, allowing one earned run on five hits over 5 1/3 innings with four strikeouts. In his previous three starts, the 23-year-old has posted a 2.12 ERA across 16 2/3 innings, striking out 14 while walking six. He opposed Cincinnati on May 2 at PNC Park, taking a no-decision in Pittsburgh’s 17-7 win. Cincinnati (37-42) has lost six of its past nine games after dropping a 6-5 decision to Milwaukee on Wednesday. The Reds are 4-6 in their past 10 contests. Right-hander Rhett Lowder (1-3, 4.50 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound. Lowder took the loss in that game against the Brewers, allowing three earned runs on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings with six strikeouts. Over his past four outings, he owns a 3.66 ERA across 19 2/3 frames, fanning 21 against eight walks. Lowder faced Pittsburgh on May 3 and earned a no-decision in a 1-0 Reds loss. These division rivals have met seven times this season. Pittsburgh holds a 5-2 advantage in the series, including a 3-1 mark at home. Cincinnati won the series opener 4-1 on Friday night. The Reds’ offense has been inconsistent, scoring two or fewer runs in four of their past seven games. First baseman Spencer Steer is 4-for-12 with a home run and three RBIs over his past three contests. Designated hitter Eugenio Suárez went 2-for-3 with an RBI in Wednesday’s loss. Pittsburgh’s lineup has shown power, collecting 12 home runs over its past nine games. Catcher Henry Davis is 4-for-11 with a homer and three RBIs in his past three games. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 5-4 Pittsburgh victory. Cincinnati is a -1.5 run favorite, and the over/under is set at 8 runs. Following this three-game set, the Reds travel to Milwaukee for a four-game series beginning Monday. The Pirates head to Philadelphia for a four-game series starting Monday.