It seems like the Pirates haven't been good since Roberto Clemente was playing right field for them.

But the Cardinals are even worse than Pittsburgh this season. St. Louis is four games worse to be exact.

The pitching matchup is Thomas Hath, in what shapes up as a bullpen game for Pittsburgh, against St. Louis' Drew Rom. The Pirates shelled Rom when they faced him Aug. 21.

The Pirates have won four in a row. The Cardinals are 4-11 in their last 15 games.

So just why are the Cardinals mid-sized favorites here?

Why indeed. This game sure looks like a pick'em type matchup so I'll take the value and back the underdog Pirates.

Rom made his big league debut at Pittsburgh in that Aug. 21 game. It did not go well for him - and that's putting it kindly. Rom didn't make it past the fourth inning. He was yanked after allowing six earned runs on eight hits and four walks. The Pirates won that game, 11-1.

Hatch started that day for Pittsburgh. He threw two hitless innings before departing. The Pirates' bullpen is better than perceived especially at the back end. Pittsburgh has the 18th-highest ERA. That's still better than the Cardinals, who rank 22nd in bullpen ERA.