PITTSBURGH -- Music was blaring in the Pittsburgh Pirates clubhouse late Wednesday night.Thats not all that unusual, but it seemed just a little louder than normal, and the players seemed more upbeat.Thats because they not only avoided a sweep by St. Louis, but also ended an eight-game losing streak with a 4-3 victory against the Cardinals.That will allow the Pirates to go into a four-game home series against the Cincinnati Reds starting Thursday without that skid hanging over them.Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle preaches the day-at-a-time approach as much as anyone, but seemed as relieved as anyone.Absolutely, he said, smiling. You play to win. You want to play well, and you have a process we follow (but) winnings better than losing. Ive figured that much out.Hurdle is one win shy of becoming the sixth Pirates manager in history to reach 500 wins with the club.For the first time in several days, the Pirates are in a better spot then their opponent. Pittsburgh (68-69) can get back to .500 with a strong weekend and still has a shot at the postseason, trailing St. Louis -- which holds the second wild-card spot -- by 4 1/2 games.Cincinnati has lost four in a row and eight of 10 and is playing out the season.The Reds on Wednesday lost at home 6-3 to New York, giving the Mets a three-game sweep. Cincinnati is 57-81 but has played Pittsburgh close. The Pirates hold a 6-5 edge in 11 meetings and outscored the Reds by only 40-39.Cincinnati made three outs on the bases early and missed a lot of opportunities Wednesday against the Mets. Manager Bryan Price describes that as atypical, even for his underachieving club.In fact, Price guaranteed better performances at PNC Park.When youre (this) far under .500, to have regular games like this as a regular part of what were doing would make it a way more challenging season than it already is, Price told MLB.com. Guys, for the most part, have really played hard and played relatively to their ability and sometimes beyond. (Wednesday) will be something we dont see for a long time. Im confident in that. This isnt our typical game by any means. We will certainly play better in Pittsburgh.The Reds had runners on base in every inning Wednesday but stranded 12, going 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position.Its a tough series, but hopefully we get back on track against Pittsburgh and try to finish the season strong, Anthony DeSclafani, who took the loss Wednesday, told MLB.com.Right-hander Dan Straily (11-7, 3.83 ERA) is scheduled to start Thursday for Cincinnati. Hes already made a career-high 29 appearances and makes his career-high 28th start. He is 2-1 with a 3.23 ERA in seven appearances (four starts) against Pittsburgh.The Pirates counter with right-hander Ivan Nova (11-6, 4.34).Nova is 4-0 with a 2.89 ERA in his first six starts since Pittsburgh acquired him from the Yankees on Aug. 1. He allowed two runs in six innings in a no-decision Saturday against Milwaukee in his last start. Kobe XI Elite Low White .C. -- Manny Malhotra had two goals and an assist, leading the Carolina Hurricanes to a 6-3 win over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday. Lebron 15 Low White . -- Jimmy Walkers first PGA Tour trophy came with a special gift tucked inside. http://www.basketballshoescheaponline.com/nike-basketball-shoes-cheap-online/lebron-13.html . Isner, ranked No. 14, won his eighth career singles title and took the title in New Zealand for the second time after his victory in 2010. The match was similar to Isners quarterfinal victory over fifth-seeded Philipp Kohlschreiber which went to three sets, all tiebreaks and contained no breaks of serve. Kyrie 3 Red .com) - The Calgary Flames aim to bounce back from their first regulation home loss of the campaign on Friday night when they host a Detroit Red Wings club that they swept in three meetings a season ago. Mens Nike Basketball Shoes Lebron 15 XV Wine Red/Icy Blue . Halladay signed a one-day contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday that allowed the veteran right-hander to retire as a member of team with which he broke into the majors and spent the bulk of his distinguished 16-year career.Hertfordshire Mavericks continued their golden start to the Vitality Superleague season with a 62-45 victory against Team Northumbria at Sport Central Arena in Newcastle. The Mavericks made a worthwhile 250-mile trip up north to Newcastle to remain unbeaten at the start of the new season with three wins out of three. Hertfordshire Mavericks proved too hot for Team Northumbria Goal defence Sam May was voted player of the match and after the match she said: Three games on the trot is the best possible start. Im glad we pushed through in the end. We were on top pretty much all game, so were happy.Team Northumbria were playing their first home game and having already suffered defeat against Manchester Thunder and reigning champions Surrey Storm, their poor start to the new campaign continued. Three games on the trot is the best possible start. Im glad we pushed through in the end. Player of the Match: Sam May Northumbria attacking pair Chiara Semple and Lynsey Armitage were on a mission during the early stages with both players going for goal from long-range.But last years runners-up Mavericks stayed calm under the early storm to hold firm and take a slender 15-14 lead at the end of the first quarter. Northumbria suffered a blow early in the second quarter when Nicole Dixon suffered an ankle injury, but they still managed to stay inn touch with the visitors - 25-28 at half-time.ddddddddddddSubstitute George Fisher helped inspire Hertfordshire crank up the pressure with greater movement in the third quarter and 85 per cent accuracy with her shooting as they extended their lead to 10 goals to lead 45-35.And they powered through the final quarter to seal a comprehensive victory to make it a perfect start to the season. Netball London Live Tickets! You wont want to miss Netball London Live at Londons Copper Box Arena - be there with Sky Tickets! Head coach Sam Bird was delighted with 17-year-old Fishers contribution and felt her players quality showed through in the end.I thought George did really well to cope with the pressure and you have to remember that shes only 17 as well - you forget.I can still ask for a lot more quality. 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