After a 4-2 home stand, the Pirates head for the west coast for the next six games.  The series begins tonight in Los Angeles.  The Pirates will start recently acquired Ivan Nova (1-0) against the Dodgers right- hander Ross  Stripling.  Because of the Steelers  game, the next broadcast game on WBVP-WMBA is on Saturday starting at 3:40.  The games are big for both the Pirates  and the Dodgers and Giants.  The Pirates are battling for the final playoff  spot in the National League.  The Dodgers and the Giants are in a tight race for first place in the Western  Division.