The Beat Goes On: Locke v Wainwright In Game Four

Tonight, Jeff Locke (9-3, 2.15) climbs the bump against Adam Wainwright (13-6, 2.51) as the new kid on the block stares down the old guard. Locke's main battle has been with control, while Wainwright leads the league in wins and innings. He's their stopper, and the Cards could use one right about now. Both have been pretty consistent during the season, although their last outings were labored by their standards. It'll be a bounce back match of sorts for both, and should be a dandy.

The game starts at 7:05 and will aired on ESPN, Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan.

Pirate lineup: Starling Marte LF, Neil Walker 2B, Andrew McCutchen CF, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Russ Martin C, Garrett Jones 1B, Alex Presley RF, Clint Barmes SS and Jeff Locke P.

Guess Clint is gonna has made RF and SS open competitions.

Cardinal lineup: Jon Jay CF, Carlos Beltran RF, Allen Craig 1B, Matt Holliday LF, David Freese 3B, Daniel Descalso 2B, Tony Cruz C, Pete Kozma SS and Adam Wainwright P.

• Lefty Jeff Locke has been charged with three earned runs or less in each of his last 17 starts and in 18 of his 20 overall. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, it’s the longest such streak by a Pirates pitcher since Jeff Karstens in 2011 (18). The last Bucco pitcher with a longer streak was Don Cardwell from 1963 to 1965 (21). 
• This is the first time since the heady days of Jimmy Leyland and gang in 1992 that the Pirates led their division on July 30th. 
• Fifteen of the last 20 games played by the Pirates have been decided by one or two runs.
• In their past 17 dates at PNC Park, the Pirates have averaged 33,764 fans and have sold out nine times this year. Jerry Crasnick of ESPN is noticing the Bucs this year, and for more than attendance.
• Speaking of attendance, the Pirates are creeping up on last year's numbers after a slow start at the gate. The club is averaging 25,700 this year compared to 26,400 at this point in 2012.
• The Cards have had three catchers on the roster since before the All-Star break because of Yadier Molina's achy knee. He had to leave yesterday's game because of it and was sent back to St. Louis for a further evaluation, and was placed on the 15 day DL.
• Steve Blass joined Dale Murphy as the new inductees of the "Hall of the Very Good."