Pirates blank Cardinals, take 2 of 3 in crucial series

For the second straight night the Pittsburgh Pirates got great pitching and timely offense to shut out the powerful St. Louis Cardinals, climbing one game back of the National League Wild Card with a 5-0 win Wednesday night at PNC Park.

Pirates starter Wandy Rodriguez picked up his second win as a Bucco, his first as a starter, by going six strong innings. Giving up only three hits and striking out three, he helped give the Pirates their first season series win over the Cardinals since 2008.

August 29, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez (51) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

For the second consecutive night, the Pirates offense would strike early. Travis Snider doubled in the first and was brought home on a Garrett Jones double to right.

But it was Pedro Alvarez who stole the show. Alvarez would continue his hot hitting by driving a three-run home run off Cardinals starter Joe Kelly in the third. Snider and Jones walked ahead of the scorching blast.

Against the Cardinals this season Alvarez has seven home runs and 23 runs batted in, helping his season totals of 26 homers and 70 RBI. Alvarez joined McCutchen (79) and Jones (71) in making the Pirates one of only two NL clubs with a trio of 70-RBI men. The Cardinals are the only other team.

The Pirates have a day off tomorrow and look to continue their good play Friday against the Brewers in Milwaukee.