St. Louis Cardinals Look for Season's First Sweep Against Pittsburgh Pirates

After dominating their opponents for the early part of the season, the Cardinals find themselves in a favorable position.

Currently first in the NL Central with a decent three-game lead over the trailing Cincinnati Reds, the Cardinals have failed to sweep an opponent so far.

In an attempt to put some more breathing room between themselves and the rest of the Central squads, St. Louis hosts the Pirates for a three-game series starting Tuesday night.

Game 1

Adam Wainwright (0-3) vs. Charlie Morton (1-1)

Wainwright will take the mound for the Cardinals still looking for his first win of the season.

The former Cy Young candidate might still be shaking off some rust after missing all of last season following surgery.

Wainwright has given up five home runs in four games and has a horrid 7.32 ERA

Game 2

Lance Lynn (4-0) vs. A.J. Burnett (1-1)

Lynn—arguably the Cards' best pitcher thus far—will face off against former Yankees' cast off A.J. Burnett.

Lynn has been one of MLB's best pitchers and, with another win, could put himself into early Cy Young consideration.

After Adam Wainwright won a World Series with the Cardinals years ago out of the bullpen, perhaps we're seeing the same evolution to stardom from Lance Lynn.

Game 3

Jake Westbrook (3-1) vs. Erik Bedard (1-4)

A pair of well-traveled vets face off in the series' only afternoon game on Thursday.

Jake Westbrook has vastly improved this season as his play with the Cardinals since the day he was acquired has left much to be desired. 

Who's Hot?

Yadier Molina

Yady went 4-for-4 two games ago against the Milwaukee Brewers en route to a 7-3 win. He's batting .316 and averaging over a hit per game so far after signing a well-deserved contract extension.

Who's Not?

Adam Wainwright

As mentioned, Wainwright is the starter for Game 1 and has looked nothing like his old self.

With Chris Carpenter still injured, Lance Lynn and Kyle Lohse have taken it upon themselves to become the new star aces for the team.

One has to wonder just how long the Cards' pitching depth can cover for the loss of one star, and the regression of another.