The Cincinnati Reds are 33-21. Their .611 winning percentage would be enough to lead the NLE and the NLW, but here in the NLC, they’re a sad third place.

They can’t all three keep this up, can they? Surely someone’s got to crack.

At the time of this writing, after the Pirates won, but while the Cards were still delayed, the Reds trail them by 1.0 and 3.0 games, respectively. Sure, it’s not at all fair that the Reds drew the Indians for their inter-squad weekend while the Cards were beating up on the abysmal Royals, but the Pirates didn’t have it any easier against the Tigers and they still managed to gain a half game on the good guys.

And things are about to get real in this division. If the Cards haven’t fallen back to earth by next weekend, the Reds will be chipping away at their lead.

But before then, and even now, the Reds are headed to Pittsburgh to start a three game series there. Johnny Cueto (RHP, 2-0, 2.76 ERA) will face off against a familiar foe in Wandy Rodriguez (LHP, 6-2, 3.58 ERA). With that 3.58 ERA, Rodriguez ranks near the bottom of the Pirates’ starters, so now is the time to strike.