The set-up: The NL Central is tightly packed at the moment. The Pirates are out of last place after last night's victory over the Cards, while St. Louis is now three games out of first place and only 3.5 games out of last place. After yesterday's loss though, I expect the home side to respond in the finale of this series. The visitors hand the ball to Chris Archer, while the home side goes with Daniel Ponce de Leon.

The pitchers: Archer (3-6, 5.42 ERA) gave up three runs over six innings in a no-decision to the Cubs in his last outing.

Ponce de Leon (1-0, 1.99) received a no-decision in his last start as well, giving up one run off three hits while striking out seven and walking one.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Pittsburgh is just 22-33 vs. teams with winning records and only 10-14 this year as a road dog in the +100 to +150 range, while St. Louis is 15-7 at home with a money line in the -100 to -150 range. This one has blowout written all over it in my opinion. Great value on the hungry home side.

Cards.