Game 161: Reds at Pirates

Probables: Brandon Finnegan (4-2, 3.86) vs. AJ Burnett (9-6, 3.15)
Preview: http://m.mlb.com/news/article/201510...game_pk=416053
"Pirates can clinch home-field in WC behind Burnett
By Adam Berry / MLB.com | + 1 COMMENTS
Pirates right-hander A.J. Burnett will make the 430th and final regular-season start of his career Saturday night, possibly the last start of his 17-year career. Burnett will lead the Bucs against the Reds at PNC Park with a chance to guarantee that the National League Wild Card Game presented by Budweiser will take place in Pittsburgh on Wednesday night.
The game is available to stream free out of market on MLB.TV, presented by AT&T. Blackout restrictions apply.
After the Pirates walked off against the Reds in 12 innings on Friday night, and the Cubs beat the Brewers, the Bucs need only one win or one Cubs loss over the next two days to clinch home-field advantage for their win-or-go-home showdown next week.
• Gear up for Pirates' postseason at MLB.com Shop
Burnett, who has said he plans to retire after this season, certainly hopes that another start awaits beyond Saturday's outing. But this could be the final time the right-hander scales the mound, the end of a lengthy career in which he's recorded 164 wins and struck out more than 2,500 batters.
The 38-year-old veteran will line up opposite 22-year-old Reds left-hander Brandon Finnegan, making only his fourth Major League start. Finnegan has pitched five innings in each of his first three starts, going 1-2 with a 6.00 ERA.
Things to know about this game
• Burnett is only the 32nd pitcher in Major League history to record more than 2,500 strikeouts. In his final start, Burnett (2,504) likely will pass Christy Mathewson (2,507) for 31st place on the all-time strikeouts list. CC Sabathia (2,574) is the only active pitcher with more punchouts than Burnett.
• Reds first baseman Joey Votto has reached base safely in 48 straight games, tying Pete Rose's franchise record set in 1978.
• The Reds should think twice about running on the Pirates' outfielders. Left fielder Starling Marte leads the NL with 15 outfield assists, while Gregory Polanco is not far behind with 13, tops among NL right fielders.
Adam Berry is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @adamdberry. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs."