Coming off Thursday night’s embarrassing blowout loss to the Cardinals, it seemed incomprehensible that the Pirates could take the series, but after studly performances by not only Trevor Williams but also Jordan Lyles, both resulting in 2-1 victories, the Pirates are on the verge of taking three out of four games in St. Louis.
Left-hander Stephen Brault (0-1, 7.11) will make his second start after being forced back into the rotation following injuries to both Chris Archer and Jameson Taillon. In his first start last Tuesday in Pittsburgh, the Pirates defeated Texas 5-4 as Brault allowed a pair of runs in four innings, walking three and striking out five.