ST. LOUIS -- Even with the postseason out of the question and the offseason only three days away, manager Clint Hurdle isn't worried about the Pirates kicking up their feet and taking it easy this weekend.
The Pirates have a chance to directly affect the National League Wild Card race as they wrap up the regular season with three games against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cards entered Friday's opener one game behind the Giants and two behind the Mets in the NL Wild Card standings. With an elimination number of three, St. Louis is essentially playing a series of three must-win games.