Cardinals at Pirates Preview: Six things you might not know

The Cardinals are set to take on the Pirates this week for what might be the most important series of the season.

Six games left in the season

After these three games against the Pirates, the Cardinals head to Atlanta to take on the Braves for three games in their final series of the season. The Pirates will host the fifth-place Reds in their final set.

Five extra-inning games this season

When these two teams clash, it is a battle to remember. Both teams feature excellent pitching, creating some tight games. The Cardinals are 3-2 in extra-inning games, with the home teams winning each game.

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Four is the magic number

Any combination of Cardinal wins and Pirates losses that amounts to four will clinch the division for the Cardinals. A series win would earn the Cardinals the NL Central division crown.

Three games separate these teams

A Pirate sweep would tie the two teams.

Two is where the Pirates pitching staff ranks in ERA

A 3.22 ERA is good for second in Major League Baseball. The Cardinals are number one is that category with a 2.91 team ERA. The Pirates rank number one in FIP with 3.36.

One is where Mark Melancon ranks in saves

Melancon leads the league in saves with fifty-one, with only two blown saves all season (Trevor Rosenthal is number two at forty-seven saves). He is tied for thirteenth among relievers with 1.6 fWAR and is twelfth in ERA at 1.95 with a 2.75 FIP.

Game Specs:

Mon. 09/28 1900: Michael "Lance" Lynn (12-10, 3.16 ERA) 
vs. J.A. Happ (10-8, 3.88 ERA)
Tue. 09/29 1900: Michael "Wachamole" Wacha (17-6, 3.15 ERA)
vs. Charlie Morton (9-8, 4.54 ERA)
Wed. 09/30 1900: "Handsome" Tyler Lyons (2-1, 3.96 ERA)
vs. Gerrit Cole (18-8, 2.60 ERA)