MLB playoff contenders square off in trio of weekend series

Jun 8, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Neil Walker (18) is tagged out at home plate by Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Pirates (65-62) v Milwaukee Brewers (71-56)

Why the series is importnat to Pittsburgh: If the Pirates wish to start a late-season surge for the division title, the time is now. Sweeping the Brewers will put them only three behind the Brew Crew.

Not only that, but the Buccos are in serious contention for a Wild Card, lurking 2.5 games behind the #2 San Francisco Giants.

Why the series is important to Milwaukee: The potential to knock a division foe out of the running for the division title is close at hand. A Brewers sweep means a nine-game lead over Pittsburgh. Taking two of three extends their lead another game to seven. With the St. Louis Cardinals closing in (1.5 game ahead of the Redbirds), the Brewers would also love if the Philadelphia Phillies could slow down the Cards.

And the Brewers are alive and well for the NL’s top seed. They just need those Washington Nationals to cool off a bit. And for St. Louis not to catch them.

Pitching matchups:

Fri: Jeff Locke (4-3, 3.73, 1.222) v Yovani Gallardo (8-6, 3.32, 1.216)
Sat: Edinson Volquez (10-7, 3.58, 1.267) v Wily Peralta (15-7, 3.27, 1.280)
Sun: Vance Worley (3-1, 2.92, 1.189) v Mike Fiers (1.29, 0.714)

The series finale features a pair that no one envisioned playing a key role on their respective clubs. Worley wasn’t even in a Pirates uni at the onset of the season. Pittsburgh acquired him in late March, and he began 2014 in Triple-A Indianapolis. Fiers was a call-up and has returned to resemble the Fiers of 2012.

2014 results-to-date: Milwaukee leads season series, 10-3