Pirates take first game of important series in St. Louis
By Drew Shetler
Friday night the Pittsburgh Pirates opened up the biggest series of the season against the St. Louis Cardinals. Going into this series the Pirates held a one game lead over the Cardinals in the Wild Card standings.
The Pirates won a tightly played baseball game, 2-1 final score, without the benefit of a run batted in. It was the first time they accomplished the feat since June 20, 2008.
James McDonald started for the Pirates and looked very impressive in earning his 11th victory of the season. McDonald went six shutout innings, striking out seven and giving up only two hits.
The game was scoreless into the fourth inning. Travis Snider led the inning off with a walk and Andrew McCutchen and Garrett Jones each singled to load the bases. With Michael McKenry at the plate Cardinals pitcher Jake Westbrook unleashed a wild pitch, allowing Snider to score the first Pirates run.
McKenry then hit a grounder to shortstop Rafael Furcal, who bobbled the ball, allowing McKenry to reach to load the bases again.
With Pedro Alvarez up at the plate a passed ball by catcher Tony Cruz allowed McCutchen to score; that was it for the Pirates offense.
The Pirates busted out six hits with Alvarez the only Pirates to have two (single, double). The Pirates bullpen was solid again, only giving up one run in three innings of work. Closer Joel Hanrahan earned his National League-leading 34th save of the season.
The Pirates look to continue their momentum Saturday afternoon at 4:05 p.m. when they send Erik Bedard to the hill.