Pirates 2-0?

Tune in as early as possible tonight to keep an eye on Ian Snell.  MLB Extra Innings free preview week coverage (subject to blackouts) will be the channel for you.

Look for some momentum from last nights win to carry over for the Priates.  Look for Snell to attack the zone and I am praying for a 1-2-3 first for the righthander.  Snell posted a 6.10ERA and a .346 batting average against in the first inning in his 31 starts last year.  He retired the side in order just four times.  His career numbers versus St Louis are 4-4, 4.92ERA in 14 games and 75IP.   In 2008, he was 1-1 with a 7.20 ERA in six starts.

Matt Capps is 1-0 with two saves now against the Cards in his career.  In 25IP he has allowed only 5ER.  He was mixing pitches with confidence last night.  The long rumoured fast ball zip was also back as the stadium gun flashed 94mph.

Pirates’ lineup:

1. Nyjer Morgan, LF
2. Freddy Sanchez, 2B
3. Nate McLouth, CF
4. Ryan Doumit, C
5. Adam LaRoche, 1B
6. Eric Hinske, RF
7. Andy LaRoche, 3B
8. Jack Wilson, SS
9. Snell, P

Cardinals’ lineup:

1. Skip Schumaker, 2B
2. Colby Rasmus, RF
3. Albert Pujols, 1B
4. Chris Duncan, LF
5. Khalil Greene, SS
6. Rick Ankiel, CF
7. Yadier Molina, C
8. Joe Thurston, 3B
9. Lohse, P

Pirates who hit Cards pitching well are posted below with their up to date averages after last nights win.

Cruz 429, Doumit 326, Monroe 275, Morgan 319, Moss 292, Sanchez 301

Those who don’t fare as well–Hinske 1 for 16 coming into last night his double raised his average to .118, 1B LaRoche 243, 3B LaRoche 115, McLouth 230 (8HR and 27RBI in 126AB), Wilson 245

Interetsing story by Tom Verducci in SI on young pitchers