Trevor Williams tries to right the ship

Wednesday night Trevor Williams (4-4, 4.53) takes the mound for the Pirates in an attempt to avenge their loss to the Reds in the series opener on Tuesday. Despite his overall ERA, the rookie Williams has emerged as one of the Pirates’ most reliable starters this year, having allowed a 3.89 ERA along with a 258/310/388 batting line in the 14 starts since his disastrous first in Los Angeles.

The Reds counter with hard throwing rookie right-hander Robert Stephenson (0-4, 7.86), making only his third start of the season. Stephenson throws hard, using his 94.3 mph fastball 60% of the time, along with a curve and change, but has averaged 5.6 walks and 2.4 homers per 9 innings in his 71 career innings in the majors.

Gregory Polanco returns to the starting lineup after his latest stint on the disabled list for a balky hamstring, while Josh Harrison remains out of the lineup with leg discomfort suffered in Sunday’s game in San Diego.

The Reds will use the same lineup as Tuesday night, sending five left-handed batters up against Williams.

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REDS

1 S Billy Hamilton, CF

2 L Jesse Winkler, RF

3 L Joey Votto, 1B

4 R Adam Duvall, LF

5 L Eugenio Suarez, 3B

7 R Jose Peraza, SS

8 S Tucker Barnhart, C

9 R Robert Stephenson

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PIRATES

1 R Starling Marte, LF

2 L Adam Frazier, 2B

3 R Andrew McCutchen, CF

4 S Josh Bell, 1B

5 R David Freese, 3B

6 L Gregory Polanco, RF

7 R Jordy Mercer, SS

8 R Chris Stewart, C

9 R Trevor Williams, RHP