Nitecap: Charlie v Tyler Lyons; Lineup & Notes

Today's Game - Charlie Morton (9-8, 4.54) works the finale against southpaw Tyler Lyons (2-1, 3.96). Charlie has been underperforming this season and lost four of his last five decisions. But he still knits together stretches of strong ball when his command is on; hopefully, that will be the case tonight. Chuck is 0-1 this season v SL, losing a 4-1 decision (he gave up a pair of runs over six frames, one earned) three weeks ago. Overall, he's been not very good against the Redbirds. Morton is 2-11 with a 5.30 ERA in 17 career outings.

Lyons has been the Cards long man/spot starter, so probably about 80-85 pitches should be his max. He's has mixed results this year against the Bucs, being hit hard twice, but in between tossing 5-1/3 shutout frames. Lyon is 0-2/3.51 lifetime against the Pirates with three starts and three bullpen outings.

Carlos Martinez, who has been murder on Pittsburgh this year, was scheduled to start, but lasted just seven pitches into his last outing and is out for the remainder of 2015 with a shoulder sprain. The back end of the twin bill starts at 7:05 and will be carried by ESPN, Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan.

The only change is Michael Morse, a righty, taking over at first. Fran is slated to catch two today, but after the game was being checked out after taking a foul ball in the ear area in the first game, so he may or may not go, pending the doc's opinion.

• The Bucco rotation for the Red series is Frankie, AJ and Jay, dependent on whether the games are meaningful or not.
• The Pirates magic number for home field wild card is two.
• The Cards have their champagne in the locker room; let's hope they have to take the bubbly to Atlanta with them tonight.