CINCINNATI (Interstat) — The Pittsburgh Pirates try to avoid a third straight loss to Cincinnati on Saturday, while the Reds look to keep rolling in a four-game series at Great American Ball Park. Pittsburgh (55-56) will start right-hander Braxton Ashcraft (10-4). Cincinnati (52-57) counters with Andrew Abbott (5-6). The forecast at game time calls for 83 degrees and cloudy skies. The Reds have won the first two games of the series, including an 8-7 victory Friday. First baseman Sal Stewart was the catalyst, going 2 for 5 with a home run and four RBIs. Stewart has been one of Cincinnati’s most consistent hitters over the past week, with key hits against Cleveland, St. Louis and Seattle. He is the Reds’ player to watch. Pittsburgh fell 3-2 on Thursday and 8-7 on Friday despite a strong relief outing from Antwone Kelly. In Friday’s loss, Kelly pitched three innings, allowed two hits and no earned runs, and struck out three. He also worked two innings against Milwaukee on July 12, allowing three earned runs. Kelly is a key bullpen arm for Pittsburgh to watch. The Pirates have won six of 10 meetings between the teams this season, but Cincinnati has taken the last two. Jake Mangum provided some offense for Pittsburgh on Friday, going 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs. Pittsburgh will need more offensive support Saturday if it hopes to cool off Stewart and the Reds. Ashcraft enters with a 10-4 record, while Abbott is 5-6. Both pitchers will face lineups that have seen plenty of each other over the past two days. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 6-3 Cincinnati final. Interstat’s ELO system, however, gives Pittsburgh a 50.30 percent chance to win. Pittsburgh has been installed as a -1.5 run-line favorite, and the over/under is 8.5. The teams close the four-game series Sunday. After that, Pittsburgh travels to Milwaukee for four games, while Cincinnati hosts Oakland for three before hitting the road to Washington.