Bucs v Cards: The Rubber Match

Jeff Locke (2-1, 3.74)  goes in today's series decider against Shelby Miller (3-1, 1.44). Locke is coming off a six inning shutout stint against the Phils as he makes his case to remain in the rotation come mid-May. Miller lost to the Bucs and AJ Burnett 2-1 on the 17th. Funny game; yesterday's contest featured a pair of old school war horses in their mid-thirties, while today's starters need notes from their mommies to take road trips. The match starts at 2:15 and will be aired by Root Sports and The Fan 93.7.

Pirate lineup: Starling Marte CF, Jose Tabata LF, Garrett Jones RF, Gaby Sanchez 1B, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Russell Martin C, Brandon Inge 2B and Jeff Locke P.

Clint Hurdle is really being creative today. Not sure why Cutch is out; he showed some signs of snapping out of his slump yesterday. We assume Snider's side is still sore; no word on whether he's available to pinch hit or not.

Card lineup: Matt Carpenter 2B, Carlos Beltran RF, Matt Holliday LF, Allen Craig 1B, Yadier Molina C, David Freese 3B, Shane Robinson CF, Pete Kozma SS and Shelby Miller P.

The Cards usual lineup against a LHP; David Descalso and Jon Jay take a seat.

• Jason Grilli became the second Pirate to record 10 saves in the month of April, joining Mike Williams, who also had 10 in 2002. AJ Burnett set the franchise mark for K this month with 48. Finally, the Bucs are 14-10 and are guaranteed a winning April with just three games to go. 
• Jose Tabata has hit safely in 20 of his 22 career games at Busch Stadium. 
• Jose Contreras is slated to work the first of back-to-back outings for Indy today. If he's OK, he could join the big team this weekend. And at Altoona, Charlie Morton gets the call.
• Gerrit Cole went seven innings for Indy yesterday, giving up a run on three hits with four walks - still a matter of concern - and five K in a 4-1 Tribe victory. Jameson Taillon took the loss at Altoona, 3-1. He went 5-2/3 frames, giving up three runs on five hits with two free passes and seven punchouts.