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. Wholesale Fashion Shoes . Robredo, ranked No. 16, bounced back from an upset loss to Leonardo Mayer in the second round of the Royal Guard Open in Chile last week to down Carreno Busta in 1 hour, 25 minutes. On a day filled mostly with qualifying matches, fifth-seeded Marcel Granollers of Spain also entered the second with a 7-5, 3-6, 6-2 win over Aljaz Bedene of Slovenia, while Guido Pella of Argentina defeated Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain 7-6 (6), 6-4 to advance. Wholesale Mens Shoes China . Now, correct me if Im wrong but I saw one official distinctly pointing at the net indicating a good goal but after an inconclusive review they overturned the goal. Shouldnt the ruling on the ice (good goal) stand after an inconclusive review? Why was this overturned? James Veaudry Pembroke, ON -- Hey Kerry, Youll get a lot of these, but why was the Montreal goal against Nashville Saturday night overturned? Eller puts the puck on net and the on ice ruling from the ref behind the net is a Montreal goal. http://www.wholesaleshoesfashion.com/ . Andrew Luck lost his favourite target and the Indianapolis locker room lost one of its most revered leaders when Reggie Wayne was diagnosed Monday with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee that will cost him the rest of the season. Wholesale Fashion Shoes Free Shipping . Halifax beat the Saint John Sea Dogs 7-5 on the strength of two goals apiece from Nikolaj Ehlers, Matt Murphy and Brent Andrews. Jonathan Drouin also scored and had three assists while Zachary Fucale made 17 saves for the Mooseheads (16-8-0), who led 6-1 after two periods. Wholesale Shoes China Free Shipping .C. -- Glenn Howard needed an extra end to move into the Masters Grand Slam of Curling final. These rankings are for Week X. Rankings for Week 13 will be available at noon on Wednesday, December 7. ' ' '