"The Brewers have a very good team, but it's kind of hard to believe we've lost that many in a row to them," Pirates center fielder Nate McLouth said. "Hopefully, we'll finally get that turned around."

It will be interesting to see if there will be any trouble between the teams as the Brewers' three-game sweep over the Pirates last week in Milwaukee became contentious.

Pirates right-hander Jeff Karstens was fined by Major League Baseball for what it felt was intentionally hitting Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun in the back with a pitch in the opener last Monday. The Brewers then hit three Pirates on Tuesday, causing the umpires to warm both teams.

Though there were no incidents Wednesday, Pirates pitcher Ian Snell struck out Braun three times then chided him in post-game interviews for complaining about being hit.

However, Pirates manager John Russell said he doesn't expect any fisticuffs or other problems over the next two days.

"If anyone has a problem with it, it's (Braun) because we don't," Russell said. "We're not even thinking about it."

REDS 5, PIRATES 0: The Pirates were shut out for the third time in four games, getting blanked on four hits by Johnny Cueto and Arthur Rhodes, as they lost for the fifth time in the last six games. Jeff Karstens (1-1) took the loss as he allowed five runs, four earned, and six hits in five innings.