MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PREVIEWS MONDAY

The Pittsburgh Pirates attempt to reach the .500 mark Monday when they begin a three-game home series against the Cincinnati Reds. Pittsburgh improved to 23-24 by sweeping a three-game set from the struggling Chicago Cubs and can reach the even mark for the first time since last Aug. 2, when it owned a 54-54 record.

By posting a 10-4 victory on Sunday, the Pirates extended their winning streak to a season high-tying three games and completed their first three-game sweep at home in 12 tries since accomplishing the feat in September 2010 against Arizona.

Pittsburgh's bid for .500 will not be easy as it welcomes in surging Cincinnati, which has won eight of its last nine games. The Reds wrapped up a 6-1 homestand Sunday with a 7-5 triumph over Colorado in which they and the Rockies combined for nine home runs, a record at Great American Ball Park.

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