The N.L. Wild Card Game might as well be renamed to the N.L. Central Game. After watching these two teams battle for a full season, it's time for the true winner to stand out. Here is all the info you have to know regarding the 2013 N.L. Wild Card Game.
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 1
Game Time: 8 p.m. ET
TV-Schedule: TBS
Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds
These teams play in the same division and they saw plenty of each other in the final days of the 2013 regular season. The Reds and Pirates know each other all too well and it is only proper that after playing extremely well in 2013, that both of these teams face off against each other for the last official playoff spot in the N.L.
The Pirates finished their season 94-68, just four games ahead of the Reds who were 90-72 in 2013. Heading into the final weekend of the year, both teams were tied, going 8-8 in their head-to-head matchups. The Pirates made sure to finish on top in the standings, Wild Card and finish with a better head-to-head record against the Reds. The Pirates went 11-8 in 2013 against Cincinnati.
As a matter of fact, the Pirates won all the series against their division rivals. They finished with a 10-9 record against the St. Louis Cardinals. Took 12 of 19 against the Milwaukee Brewers and the Chicago Cubs. The Pirates dominated in surprising fashion as many expected them to only possess the talent to make a threat, which they had been doing for seasons to come.
The Reds dominated the Central in the last few seasons, but the Cardinals put an end to that with their dominant young pitching. The Reds went through injuries in 2013, but they managed to hang in there, threatening to take command of the division. However, the Pirates and Cardinals were too strong in 2013.
The Reds still have a chance to prove they are the true guardians of the Central. Meanwhile, the Pirates are trying to prove that a new team has arrived for the long haul as they will try to go further into the postseason.
