After taking two of three from the Cubs, the Pirates begin a three-game set in St. Louis against the Cardinals. Tonight at 8:15 (on Root Sports and 104.7), Charlie Morton makes his first start of the season against Kyle Lohse. Lohse had a poor season last year, so this would seem to be a good opportunity for the Pirates, but obviously, no start involving Charlie Morton is a sure thing. Both Morton and Lohse are coming off strong performances in Spring Training.

The real problem anytime the Pirates face the Cardinals is, of course, Albert Pujols, who has a lifetime 1.156 OPS against the Bucs. Pujols is off to a slow start this year at 2-for-13, but he already has one home run.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette speculates that Andrew McCutchen, who missed yesterday's game with neck trouble after diving at Wrigley on Saturday, will be back today.

For more on the Cardinals, check out Viva El Birdos and this Q+A on the Cards over at Bucs Dugout.