The surging Pirates, now in second place in the NL Central, lead the Cardinals by 1/2 game as the two meet in St. Louis. Charlie Morton faces Adam Wainwright. Morton, in many ways, is pitching better than last season with more strikeouts and fewer hits allowed. His ERA is slightly higher in about 10 fewer innings, but his record stands at 5-9 instead of 7-4. The Pirates scored three runs or less in his starts nine times. Wainwright dropped his ERA over a run compared to 2013. Batters are finding fewer holes against him with a BABIP of .246 in 2014 versus .305 in 2013 and .315 for his career.

On the west coast, a possible World Series matchup takes place in Oakland as the Giants send Ryan Vogelsong against Jesse Chavez. Vogelsong is 3-1 on the road despite a 5.20 ERA. That’s probably due to more power by the Giants offense on the road. Chavez falls to fifth starter status with the big Oakland trade, but most teams would love a fifth starter with a 3.23 ERA, 92 K and 32 walks in 103 innings.

Enjoy!