From Cappers:
The Cardinals may have the better overall record but the Pirates are currently playing much better baseball. Indeed, yesterday's victory brought the Pirates to a perfect 5-0 their last five games. This afternoon's matchup should provide them with a solid shot at recording the series sweep, while improving to .500 at home.
Burres has been pitching very well lately. The Pirates are 3-0 (+5.1) his last three starts. During that stretch, he has a superb 1.80 ERA and 0.85 WHIP. For the season, he's got a 2.08 ERA as a starter at Pittsburgh, with the Pirates winning all four of his starts here.
Suppan has had plenty of success vs. Pittsburgh over the year and he beat the Pirates earlier this season. That was at home though and he's been brutal on the road. In five road starts, he's 0-4 with an awful 7.01 ERA and 1.792 WHIP. Note that he got rocked the last time he pitched here at Pittsburgh, too. He lasted only 3 1/3 innings and gave up four home runs.
With the Pirates rolling and Cards reeling, the price on the home team seems fair. Take Pittsburgh
The Cardinals may have the better overall record but the Pirates are currently playing much better baseball. Indeed, yesterday's victory brought the Pirates to a perfect 5-0 their last five games. This afternoon's matchup should provide them with a solid shot at recording the series sweep, while improving to .500 at home.
Burres has been pitching very well lately. The Pirates are 3-0 (+5.1) his last three starts. During that stretch, he has a superb 1.80 ERA and 0.85 WHIP. For the season, he's got a 2.08 ERA as a starter at Pittsburgh, with the Pirates winning all four of his starts here.
Suppan has had plenty of success vs. Pittsburgh over the year and he beat the Pirates earlier this season. That was at home though and he's been brutal on the road. In five road starts, he's 0-4 with an awful 7.01 ERA and 1.792 WHIP. Note that he got rocked the last time he pitched here at Pittsburgh, too. He lasted only 3 1/3 innings and gave up four home runs.
With the Pirates rolling and Cards reeling, the price on the home team seems fair. Take Pittsburgh