Reds at Pirates series preview

     Pirates had another disappointing series against the Cardinals. They could have won 2 of 3, but had a massive meltdown in the middle game. So now they sit in a desperate position in the playoff race. This desperation includes needing to take at least 3 of 4 from the lowly Cincinatti Reds. There are no excuses; if they want a shot at being a playoff team, they can ill afford to even split this series. They have to win it. 

Thursday: Ivan Nova (11-6 4.34 ERA) vs Dan Straily (11-7 3.83 ERA) 7:05 ET

     Ivan Nova has had a resurrection since joining the Pirates on August 1st. He's been great in a Pirates uniform. His first start as a Pirate was against the Reds, and he pitched well. Reds will get a second crack at him. Dan Straily has also had a resurrection this year. He has been brilliant for the Reds since coming over to them in Spring Training. The Pirates will need to find a way to get to him. 

Friday: Steven Brault (0-2 3.32 ERA) vs Tim Adleman (2-3 4.02 ERA) 7:05 ET

     If you remember Adleman and you're a Pirates fan, you are likely crying. He made his MLB debut in a start against Cole, and was on the ropes early but got through it and the Reds somehow won that game. In a later start, he dominated the Pirates in PNC Park. Pirates need to figure it out against this lowly full-in starter. Reds fans are likely thinking that Brault is a fringe fill-in starter as well. I think this is a matchup that could either produce a ton of runs or very few runs, no inbetween. 

Saturday: Chad Kuhl (3-3 4.09 ERA) vs Robert Stephenson (2-1 3.12) 7:05 ET

     This is a battle of two 23-year old righties that have gotten opportunities and have run with them. Chad Kuhl has been rather terrific outside of maybe two or three starts while Stephenson has been terrific as well. We shall see what these rookies produce on Saturday. 

Sunday: Ryan Vogelsong (3-4 4.07 ERA) vs Brandon Finnegan (8-10 4.17 ERA) 1:35 ET

     These two pitchers have been very underwhelming recently. Firstly, Vogelsong has been showing his age as of late, as he has not been too effective and is incapable of fooling as many people as he did before. Finnegan, who is young, has just been going through the young pitcher inconsistencies that pop up to so many. We will see if either or both pitchers can figure it out on Sunday. 

     Pirates need to scratch and claw their way to three wins. Based on pitching matchups, it won't be easy. Pirates need to certainly improve against the Reds while they are at a low point. Reds are ready for this season to be over. The Pirates would be approaching the same spot if they don't find a way this weekend. 

Cardinals at Pirates series preview

     The Pirates roller coaster ride of 2016 continued over the weekend as they were swept at home against the lowly Brewers. They have now fallen to .500 at 67-67 and sit behind the Cardinals and Mets in the NL wildcard race. While they are still in the picture, they need to step it up to have any shot. They start a crucial 3-game series against the Cardinals. A bad series could crucify them while a good series could be a definite game-changer.

Monday: Chad Kuhl (3-2 3.70 ERA) vs Adam Wainwright (9-8 4.53 ERA) 4:05 ET

     Pirates have been very reliant on Chad Kuhl, and he has delivered. The rookie right-hander has worked his way into the conversation for next year while doing his part to help the team this season. For the Cardinals, Adam Wainwright gets the call. However, this isn't the same Wainwright we are used to. He has lost velocity and is just not the same guy he was even two or three years ago. Though, his soft tossing is something the Pirates always struggle against for some reason. 

Tuesday: Ryan Vogelsong (3-4 3.56 ERA) vs Luke Weaver (1-2 3.86 ERA) 7:05 ET

     Another veteran that relies on command over speed is Ryan Vogelsong. He has been a nice surprise to the rotation for the Pirates. The 39-year old has fallen off a bit recently but has still been rather effective. From veteran to youngster, Luke Weaver goes for the Cardinals. This young righty was thrust into action when injuries started piling up for the Cardinals. He has been good so far. However, he is still a rookie, so we will see which version we get. 

Wednesday: Jameson Taillon (3-4 3.25 ERA) vs TBD

     The Pirates wasted a great start from Taillon on Friday in a 1-0 loss to the Brewers. Taillon overall has pitched very well and has been an x-factor for the Pirates this year. He's been great and figures to be that way for quite a long time. For the Cardinals, they haven't officially announced a starter yet, so we will have to wait and see. 

     There's no ifs, ands, or buts about it, the Pirates need to win this series. This is a "must-win" series and not one of the "kind of must wins" but the literal form instead. If they do not win this series, they could very well be done in the playoff hunt. I hate to say that, but it has become reality at this point. 

Brewers at Pirates series preview

     The Pirates roller coaster season continues as they got swept in Chicago after a massive series sweep in Milwaukee. Despite that, they didn't play terribly in the Windy City, the Cubs just played better. And through all this, they still sit in the thick of the wildcard race. Now 2.5 behind the Cardinals but now are trailing the resurgent Mets by a half a game. The Pirates are in need of finding consistency just like the other wildcard teams they are contending with. The Pirates will hope to get a boost by returning home. Their last home stand didn't go so well, so they need to do better this time around because it is September now. It's time to get it rolling. They start with a familiar face, the Brewers.

Friday: Jameson Taillon (3-3 3.39 ERA) vs Junior Guerra (7-3 2.93 ERA) 7:05 ET

     Pirates were likely hoping to avoid Junior Guerra after how he dominated the Pirates last time they faced him. But alas, that's not the case. Junior Guerra has been a great story for the Brewers. He's been absolutely brilliant and has the skills to keep it going. We will see if the Pirates can muster anything up against him. The Pirates are also sending a guy to the mound with a great story, Jameson Taillon. Taillon has emerged onto the scene after being called up in June. However, his last start against these same Brewers wasn't very good. Taillon has had time to adjust, so we will see if he capitalizes on those adjustments. 

Saturday: Ivan Nova (11-6 4.41 ERA) vs Jimmy Nelson (7-13 4.45 ERA)

     It took the Pirates a little while last week to pounce on Jimmy Nelson, but once they did, it all came quickly. Just like Taillon, Nelson will have to adjust and we will see if the adjustments work out. For the Pirates, Ivan Nova gets the start after looking great against Milwaukee on Sunday. This ends up being a case of the opposing hitters adjusting. If the Brewers can do it, they'll have a good shot against Nova. 

Sunday: Steven Brault (0-1 3.86 ERA) vs Chase Anderson (7-11 4.92 ERA) 1:35 ET

     Chase Anderson faces the Pirates yet again. It seems like every series these two teams play, Anderson has gotten a start. I don't think the Pirates will complain given their success against him. As for the Pirates, Steven Brault gets another start for the Pirates. Despite looking bad in Chicago, Brault has earned his chance to pitch in an MLB rotation. He faced the Brewers in Milwaukee in late July and held his own. It's been awhile since then, so it's hard to use that matchup as a measuring stick. 

     Pirates are in desperate need of winning another series. Every series and every game is vital now that we are in September. Playing a home series against a bad team means that winning at least 2 of 3 is something that needs to be done. This will be a big series of adjustments since these two just saw each other last weekend. Whichever team adjusts better will have a great shot at winning.