AJ Leads Off Against the Cards, Notes & Lineup

Today's Game - AJ Burnett (0-1, 1.80) kicks of the series against Lance Lynn (1-2, 3.63). In his first four starts, Burnett has received just four runs of support while he has been on the mound. That's a pity; AJ has surrendered just one run in each of his last three starts, but doesn't have a W to show for his efforts yet. His 1.44 run support average is the second-lowest in the NL. He could use some help tonight, as he's gone 4-3 but with a 5.79 ERA in eight regular season starts at Busch. Lynn hasn't been a lot better against the Bucs, going 5-3 with a 4.71 ERA. The game begins at 8:15 and will be on Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan.

Today's Lineup - Gregory Polanco RF, Josh Harrison 3B, Cutch CF, Neil Walker 2B, Starling Marte LF, Pedro 1B, Fran Cervelli C, Jordy Mercer SS, Burnett P.

Little fliperoo at the top; El Coffee goes to leadoff with Josh behind him, putting a little more speed and disruption at the top and setting up Harrison with a few more run producing opps. 

Gregory Polanco moves to leadoff (Mike LoMoglio/Sports Illustrated)

• Busch Stadium was a nightmare yard for the Bucs last year, where the Cards won 8-of-10 against Pittsburgh. The Redbirds have been playing well of late; they've won 6-of-8. The Pirates have gone 4-2 on their 10-day, nine-game road trip and are 6-6 away from home so far this season.
• Starling Marte shares the NL lead in home runs among outfielders with San Diego’s Justin Upton; both have six.
• The Pirates have won eight straight games when allowing three or less runs.
• 2B Dilson Herrera, a hot prospect sent to the Mets as part of the Marlon Byrd deal, was called up today by NY.
• The Reds lost starter Homer Bailey for the remainder of the year, announcing that he's getting Tommy John surgery. He's in the second season of a six-year, $105M contract.