Game 87: Pirates at Brewers

Karstens and Bush at seven.

I'd be entertained if All-Star Evan Meek pitched every single game from here on out.

Game 86: Pirates at Brewers

Maholm and Davis at eight.

After a surprisingly tough series at Houston, the Pirates can move on and continue their long winning streak in Milwaukee.

Game 85: Pirates at Astros

Ohlendorf and Oswalt at two in a likely Game 7 NLCS preview.

Game 84: Pirates at Astros

McCutchen and Moehler at eight.

Remember, the Bucs can't win EVERY day. And each loss will make the second-half comeback that much more remarkable.

Game 83: Pirates at Astros

Sixth day of Lincolnmas vs. Wandy Rodriguez at eight.

Obviously, the ascent to the wild-card begins with fifth place, but don't lose sight of the big picture, where these Bucs go all the way.

Off day

Everyone rest up for this crucial series with the hapless Astros. Fifth place could be on the line.

Game 82: Phillies at Pirates

Blanton and Karstens at one.

These two teams are looking pretty evenly matched. I'd say if the Pirates meet the Phillies in the playoffs, the series would go five or seven games.