The Pirates have lost six straight and eight of their last nine. Right-hander Wil Crowe (3-6, 5.47 ERA) has posted a 2.93 ERA through his last three starts, but he gave up seven runs (three earned) on eight hits and two walks in four innings of a 7-4 loss to Cincinnati last time out.

Cards' veteran righty Adam Wainwright (10-6, 3.48 ERA) is 3-0 with a 3.00 ERA in his last three starts. The team has won each of his last three and seven of his last 10 starts.

8* play on St. Louis Cardinals.