Game 84: Giants at Pirates

McDonald takes on Ryan Vogelsong and his NL lowest ERA.

Facing a pitcher with a pedigree like Vogelsong, a 1-0 victory is about the best we can hope for.

Game 83: Giants at Pirates

Bedard and Zito at seven.

Finally the Bucs get to play a real MLB team. If the Bucs want a bigger first place lead, they really need to win this game.

Game 82: Astros at Pirates

Karstens and Norris at seven.

If the Bucs want to retain sole possession of first place, they really need to win this game.

Game 81: Astros at Pirates

Keuchel and Correia in an hour.

Match rockets and sparklers line the battlements for post-game patriotic festivity.

The Pirates are at .550 and tied for first with the Reds. As good as they've been the last month, they'll have to play better. Tied with the hapless Reds? ... this will not do.

Sadly, there appear to be no photos of Sutton connecting for the beer fort wall. The photojournalists need to step up their game too.

Game 80: Astros at Pirates

Burnett goes for his 9th straight win against Harrell, a bunting threat.

If the Bucs want to win the division, they really need to win this game.

Game 79: Astros at Pirates

McDonald and Lyles at seven.

Bucs need a win if they want to increase their rapidly growing playoff odds. 83.2% are pretty good odds, but it'll be fun to watch that converge on 100%.

Game 78: Pirates at Cardinals

Bedard and Westbrook today.

If Bedard fancies himself a starter in the Bucs' playoff rotation, he really needs to win this game.