Pittsburgh at St. Louis

The Pittsburgh Pirates are beginning to show signs of the pressures of a long season. This is a team that has not contended for decades, and is showing some nerves now. The Pirates once led the NL Central, but are just 7-11 in their last 18 games, and have a losing record on the road. The Cardinals are in a battle with the Pirates and others for a wildcard spot. They have shown the ability to perform under pressure, as witnessed last year in the World Series. The Cardinals are 17-9 in their last 26 games and appear to be making their move now. James McDonald has really fallen apart for the Pirates, allowing 26 earned runs in his last five starts. The Pirates are just a dismal 43-105 in their last 148 on the road vs. a winning team, and just 7-15 here in their last 22. Play on St. Louis.