Back a few weeks ago, when the Pittsburgh Pirates were losing 31 times in 45 games and the Cincinnati Reds were still recovering from a 3-15 start, it was difficult to imagine a post-All-Star Game series between the two being very important.

But two of the majors' hottest teams will be on the field Friday night when the National League Central rivals begin their three-game series at Great American Ball Park, even though the standings would suggest otherwise, with the Pirates in fourth place and the Reds in fifth.

Despite their recent horrid stretch of play, the Pirates finished off the pre-All-Star break portion of the season with a five-game sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers and headed into the break on a six-game winning streak and with eight wins in nine games.