Milwaukee at Pittsburgh

This game has vital consequences for each of these teams. They are in a dead heat for the second wildcard spot in the NL now held by St. Louis. Both of these teams sit 2.5 games behind and are on the outside looking in. The Pirates were looking good at home, but were humbled on their last road trip, but finished strong and now get the comforts of home behind 15-game winner A.J. Burnett. Burnett has been highly effective at home where his 8-3 mark and 3.08 ERA are well above average. His home ERA is more than a run better than what he has done on the road. Yovani Gallardo has matched the 15 wins by Burnett, but is just 6-5 on the road for the season. The difference here lies in two areas for the Pirates. They are home, and have a much better pen, as the Brewers’ pen has a major-league high 27 blown saves. Play on Pittsburgh.