DJ: Cincinnati-Pittsburgh rivalry renewed

CINCINNATI - If it isn't the Bengals and Steelers or Bearcats and Panthers, it’s the Reds and Pirates. That last pairing has been absent from the menu of sports rivalries that dot the Cincinnati sports menu. But it is back in spades this weekend. That is when the Pirates come to GABP for a three-game series that might not be as decisive in the post season scheme of things as some might portray, but could be hugely entertaining.
 
Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle, for instance, has history with Cincinnati, having played sporadically for the Reds in 1982. And this season his managerial efforts seem somewhat charmed. The Pirates got off to a hot start last year, going to the All-Star break with a 47-43 record, one game out of the division lead. At this year's break, they were 48-37, with a one game lead over the Reds.
 
A recent stumble enabled the Reds to overtake them, but unlike last year, when they suffered a catastrophic second half collapse, Hurdle's guys show no signs of faltering this time around.
 
There are those who liken the Pirates of 2012 to the 2010 Reds, in terms of grit, determination and seemingly destiny. I think back to the wonderful 1990 NLCS that captivated so many fans imaginations. Of the six games in that series, four were decided by one run. Another by two. It was high drama with high stakes. We could see the opening salvo of another such passion play starting Friday.