The St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Cardinals will be playing not only for a series win and wild-card positioning but for a toehold on third place in the National League Central when they meet Sunday at PNC Park.
The teams have identical 57-54 records after splitting the first two games, including St. Louis' 8-4 victory Saturday.
On Sunday, St. Louis right-hander Jack Flaherty (4-6, 3.49 ERA) is scheduled to face Pirates right-hander Trevor Williams (9-7, 3.89).
St. Louis has smacked around Pittsburgh pitching in the series, combining for 14 runs and 29 hits in two games.