PIRATES head to the "Friendly Confines" of WRIGLEY for a Three-Piece with the NORTH SIDERS as the Cubbies try to play Spoiler...A CUP of JOE in the SHOW Report with the BUCCOS on the NL CENTRAL Clock and can they close on the REDBIRDS with Six to play? #BUCCOShardball #NLCentralBiz

The Pittsburgh Pirates start Monday Night just two games back of the NL Central leading Redbirds of Baseball Town USA as the Red Legs from the Ohio River are tied also with the Buccos in the NL Wild Card. Both the Pirates and Red Legs must win out to keep pace with the Redbirds and hope the Washington Nationals play spoiler to beat the 'Lou Hardball Outfit. The Buccos have to take care of their own business as they will get a Three-Piece with the Chicago Cubs and imagine them playing spoilers to someones fate when they can't spoil themselves. Buccos Hardball....2013 has come down to this!

#BUCCOS @ #CUBBIES Three-Piece from Wrigley

September 23, 2013 8:05pm ET
PIT Morton (7-4) vs CHC Samardzija (8-12)

September 24, 2013 8:05pm ET
PIT Cole (9-7) vs CHC Rusin (2-5)

September 25, 2013 2:20pm ET
PIT Liriano (16-7) vs CHC Arrieta (4-4)

The Buccos will roll with Morton, the Rookie Cole, and Ace Liriano as the Cubs throw their three out there. The bad news for the Buccos is behind this is a season-ending three-piece in Cincy vs the Red Legs. That series might be key to the Redbirds getting the NL Central Crown and their first since 2009.

Hitting Stars in this one...

#PIT

CF "Cutch 22" .319 avg 20 HR 82 RBI 98 Runs 38 2B
3B "EL Toro" 34 HR 94 RBI
C Martin 15 HR 55 RBI
 
#CHC

1B Rizzo 22 HR 77 RBI 70 R 39 2B
RF Schierholtz 21 HR 68 RBI 56 R 30 2B
C Navarro .303 avg 13 HR 34 RBI

Note: Numbers and Schedule from MLB.com