Rookie Luke Weaver, who will pitch on Friday for the Cardinals, has struck out 29 and walked only four over 19 2/3 innings in his last three starts, all victories. ... As always, the Cardinals and Pirates are nearly dead even for the season. The Cardinals have a 7-6 season series edge and have outscored the Pirates 58-56.
Pittsburgh rookie first baseman Josh Bell has hit four homers against the Cardinals this season and has had two games of four runs batted in. ... Outfielder Starling Marte was suspended for 80 games for a PED violation when the Pirates were in St.