Pittsburgh Pirates vs. St. Louis Cardinals postseason primer

The Cardinals and Pirates begin their portion of the National League Division Series on Thursday at 5 p.m. Here’s everything you need to know going into the game:

The Pirates and Cardinals play in the NL Central, which means we have a decent sample size of play – 19 games. Pittsburgh took the season series, just barely, 10-9. The Cardinals, however, actually outscored the Pirates, 87-85. During the teams’ most recent three-game set, the Cards swept the Pirates, outscoring Pittsburgh 26-10.

Jose Tabata used to be a Yankees outfield prospect. He was part of the trade that netted the Yankees Damaso Marte and Xavier Nady. Tabata is hitting .315 with a .351 OBP.

Burnett signed with the Yankees before the 2009 season, helping the team to a World Series title. But he struggled in 2010 and 2011 before being traded to Pittsburgh.

Byrd and John Buck were traded from the Mets to the Pirates in August for an infield prospect and reliever Vic Black.

Beltran has helped power the Cards’ outfield for the past two seasons. Prior to that he spent six and a half seasons with the Mets.

PNC Park was raucous and rocking while hosting its first playoff game. The crowd noise appeared to rattle Reds starter Johnny Cueto. Will the Pirates’ stadium create a serious home field advantage?