There are no off-days between now and the end of the 2014 season for the Pirates. There are 13 games to be played in the next 13 days, and then it’s over. The Pirates begin this final stretch 1 1/2 games up on the Brewers for the second wild card and 3 1/2 behind the Cardinals for the NL Central. It is likely that these are the only two teams that matter in relation to the Pirates between now and the end.
Tonight, Charlie Morton pitches for the Pirates. I talked about him earlier today; the main idea here is that I’m not sure that starting Morton is a great idea, but I also don’t think that the risk is huge vs. starting Vance Worley in this spot. We’ll see. The Cardinals and Brewers play tonight, so a Pirate win will definitely gain them ground on someone and a Pirate loss will definitely lose them ground on someone. Anthony Ranaudo starts for the Red Sox. The beginning of his career has been entirely underwhelming. The Pirates should eat a pitcher like him for dinner.
Starling Marte is back in the starting lineup for the Pirates after missing a few games with an HBP-induced elbow problem. Jordy Mercer is a late scratch because of a back problem. The first pitch is at 7:05.
