The Cardinals try to gain in wild card race as they take on the Pirates. Michael Wacha faces Ivan Nova. Wacha owns a 5.07 road ERA this season, having allowed 11 of his 16 home runs away. Nova has been super at home with a 2.87 ERA. For some reason, he made just 11 of his 18 starts in Pittsburgh, failing to accentuate the positive.

The Cubs try to make it two in a row against the Brewers as John Lackey faces Brandon Woodruff. Lackey was thrown out of his last start for challenging an umpire, but holds a 1.93 ERA in 18 2/3 September innings this season. The rookie Woodruff strength so far is his walk rate, with just ten issued in 35 2/3 innings.

The Angels keep running into tough competition as they try to win a wild card. They send Garrent Richards against the Astros and Justin Verlander Friday night. Richards finally seems to be recovered from his injuries, with a 2.00 ERA in 18 innings. His three true outcomes are excellent as he struck out 18, walked three and allowed one home run in 18 innings. Verland proved a great acquisition as he posted a 0.86 ERA in three starts for the Astros.

Enjoy!