Pittsburgh Pirates to start Gerrit Cole today, make play for NL Central

By Ed Carroll | Sep 28, 2014

Aug 26, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

The Pittsburgh Pirates are already going to the MLB playoffs, and had long expected to play in the Wild Card game against Madison Bumgarner and the San Francisco Giants. But a St. Louis Cardinals loss last night has put the National League Central division title back on the line in today’s game, and Pirates manager Clint Hurdle won’t hold scheduled starter Gerrit Cole back for Wednesday’s Wild Card game, preferring to let Cole go today with a chance to earn a share of the NL Central crown.

More from MLB

The Cardinals were stunned by a three-run home run from Mark Trumbo of the lowly Arizona Diamonbacks, and the Pirates won in extra innings, setting up Sunday’s finale. If Pittsburgh beats the Cincinnati Reds this afternoon and St. Louis loses again to the Dbacks, the Central will be tied, and a tiebreaker would be held Monday night in St. Louis. The winner of the tiebreaker gets the Central division championship; the loser heads home to host San Francisco in the Wild Card game on Wednesday.

Hurdle apparently considered all of his possible options, but felt it was best to take the unexpected shot at the division:

"Interestingly, Hurdle said he brought multiple options before the team’s leadership council & they were adamantly in favor of Cole starting"

"— Travis Sawchik (@Sawchik_Trib) September 28, 2014"

Cole is one of the Pirates most promising young pitchers, and has made 21 starts this season, posting a 3.78 ERA. With the 24-year old Cole starting today, right-hander Edinson Volquez will be the scheduled starter for Wednesday’s Wild Card game, assuming the Pirates either lose today or the Cardinals win. Jeff Locke or Vance Worley would start a Game 163 tiebreaker on Monday in St. Louis.

More from FanSided.com

Seattle Mariners keep playoff hopes alive with walk-off win (Video)
Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez back in ERA race?
Yoenis Cespedes not sure he wants long-term deal with Boston Red Sox
Cleveland Indians set MLB strikeout record
Cincinnati Reds officially extend GM Walt Jocketty