The St. Louis Cardinals meet the Pittsburgh Pirates in the menacing PNC Park on Sunday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. ET. If you are looking for the live stream, check out the link provided, but first, let’s break down this pitching matchup to the teeth.
On the mound for this matchup, the Cardinals will have Joe Kelly on the hill and the Pirates will have Francisco Liriano take the ball. Both guys have had their success against the opponent, explaining why each manager wanted them on the mound for this pivotal and possibly series-changing Game 3.
Kelly Captures Pirates
In 2013, Kelly, the 25-year-old righty, has faced the Pirates six times this season, winning all three of his decisions when starting a game. In fact, the Cardinals are 5-1 when Kelly appears on the mound against the Pirates this season and 3-0 with him as a starter. These are the numbers for each one of his starts, proving he is able to pitch consistently, regardless of being on the road or at home.
In his first start against them, Kelly pitched at PNC Park and he was killer. Kelly went six innings, allowing no runs on three hits, though he walked four batters, something he struggled with all season long. He saw them again on the road and went six more innings, allowing one earned run on four hits, with two walks and five strikeouts.
In his last start, the Pirates were able to get the bat on the ball, but they were unable to produce runs. Kelly gave up eight hits and walked three, but only allowed an earned run, striking out four Pirates.
Season record: 3-1, 2.53 ERA
Liriano Lulls Red Birds
Almost like a sweet song, Liriano has been able to pitch around the destructive bats in the Cardinals' lineup. After many thought his career was over, the Pirates took a chance and it paid off. When the competition is the stiffest, Liriano rises to the occasion. He had a few horrible games in 2013, but they never came against the Cardinals.
In three starts this season, Liriano is 3-0 with a 0.75 ERA. That's ridiculous. These are how Liriano's starts break down against the Cardinals in 2013.
He first faced them in July, pitching seven innings of one-run baseball, allowing jut four hits and eight walks with eight strikeouts. He then saw them again in August and pitched a complete game, once again allowing one run on four hits. He wrapped up his season against the Cardinals by pitching eight shutout innings, allowing just two hits and two walks.
The Cardinals will face a dominant pitcher and they will have to battle the absurdly loud Pirates crowd at PNC Park. Game is at 4:30 p.m. ET.