PIRATES host the D-BACKS as both are in the "FIGHT for OCTOBER" in the NL...BUCCOS trying to hold the LEAD in NL CENTRAL...D-BACKS staying close to RED LEGS and REDBIRDS in the NL Wild Card Race....they all count now..."WEEKEND BENDERS" Scoreboard Watching at a Premium #AugustHardball

The Pittsburgh Pirates escaped Baseball Town USA as they came in two games up for the three-Piece and left two games up. The Bucs had a few minor errors in that Redbirds Series they need to clean up moving into September Hardball. The Arizona D-Backs are running on NL Wild Card and NL West Fumes and at this point they just need to take care of their clubhouse and let the Hardball fall where it may.    

D-BACKS @ the Big 'BURGH Bank Branch PNC vs BUCCOS

August 16, 2013 7:05pm ET
ARI McCarthy (7-7) vs PIT Cole (5-5)

August 17, 2013 4:05pm ET
ARI Cahill (3-10) vs PIT Locke (9-3)

August 18, 2013 1:35pm ET
ARI Miley (9-8) vs PIT Morton (4-3)

The D-Backs have Miley going on Sunday but no Ace in Pat Corbin. McCarthy has been consistent as Cahill needs to forget 2013 but can make amends by finishing strong as your only as good as your last pitch.

The Pirates have Rook Garrit Cole in Game One and then 2013 All-Star Jeff Locke and then Morton on Sunday and from looking on paper the Buccos have the advantage.

Hitting Leaders in this series...

D-BACKS

1B Goldschmidt .295 29 HR 93 RBI 77 Runs
3B E. Chavez .299 9 HR 40 RBI
CF Parra .272 30 Doubles 62 Runs

BUCCOS

CF Cutch 22 .312 17 HR 68 RBI 73 Runs 31 Doubles
3B El TORO .235 29 HR 76 RBI
LF Marte .280 76 Runs 10 Triples (NL Leader)

Note: Numbers and Schedule from MLB.com