Pittsburgh (KDKA)- The Pirates will look to win their 50th game of the season tonight when they open up a 3-game series vs. the Cincinnati Reds.

Pitching matchup will be James McDonald (5-4, 4.42 ERA) vs. Dontrelle Willis (0-0, 3.00 ERA).

The Pirates are currently tied for 2nd place with St. Louis and trail 1st place Milwaukee by just a half-game.

The Pirates will now play 12 straight games against teams with a combined record of 212-167..So far this year, the Pirates are 5-1 against the Reds, 2-1 against the Cardinals, 2-1 against the Phillies and 0-2 against Atlanta.

Overall in 2011, the Bucs are 23-18 in games against teams with a winning record.

Check out how impressive the Pirates have been since the end of May.

*Have posted a 25-16 record since May 27 and have gone 27-18 in their last 45 games.

*The Bucs have not lost back-back games since losing 4 straight June 17-20.