REDBIRDS host the BUCCOS in an NL Central Backyard Boogie...BUCS went H.A.M. on the CARDS in the 'Burgh last week at the Big Bank Branch...PNC Park...now the CARDS are looking for a Bunt Single of Retribution after a Home-Cooked Meal in BASEBALL Town USA...BUCCOS @ REDBIRDS 3-Piece...A CUP of JOE in the SHOW Report "Show me your Valentine (Heart)" #PIRATESbiz #CARDSbiz

It's going down and the Redbirds had to have this series circled on the calendar after getting hit with everything in the 'Burgh but the Steelers. The Cards come in just three games out and the Pirates have lost three straight and we will see whose who after this three-piece. Which team is going to rise to the occasion and grab their "Valentine" when it's all on the line. Both teams will be in the "Fight for October" but for NL Central Champions there can only be one. Buccos @ Redbirds in what should be a classic with October-Like Hardball being displayed pitch for pitch, hit for hit, and play by play...it's the Pennant Race 2K13.

BUCCOS @ REDBIRDS near the Gateway to the West...the ARCH

August 13, 2013 8:15pm ET
PIT Morton (4-3) vs STL Wainright (13-7)

August 14, 2013 8:15pm ET
PIT Liriano (12-5) vs STL Miller (11-7)

August 15, 2013 1:45pm ET
PIT Burnett (5-8) vs STL Lynn (13-6)

The Redbirds have their Ace going Tonight in Adam Wainright and the Buccos will have Liriano and Burnett  going in games one an two. The Redbirds also have Miller and Lynn going and that's how the Rotations sized up for this one with the Redbirds having a slight edge on the Bump and being at New Busch. Both Teams know it starts and ends on the Bump as both have lost their Closers with Motte for the Redbirds out for 2013 and Grilli for the Buccos slated back in mid-September to late-September. Game Plan...get to the Starter and then to the Pen.

Hitting Leaders in this NL Central 3-Piece

'BURGH Hardball

CF "Cutch 22" .313 avg 16 HR 66 RBI 31 Two-Baggers
RF Marte 75 Runs 33 Thefts
3B "El Toro" Alvarez .236 28 HR 78 RBI

the 'LOU Hardball

1B Craig .319 avg 11 HR 87 RBI
2B Carpenter .308 avg 87 Runs 37 Two-Baggers
LF Beltran .305 avg 20 HR 62 RBI

Note: Numbers and Schedule from MLB.com