Pittsburgh Pirates’ 3-game winning streak comes to an end

The Pittsburgh Pirates looked to keep their win streak going as they took on the St. Louis Cardinals Monday night on Jackie Robinson Day. If the Pirates could win their fourth in a row and beat the Cardinals they would take possession of first place.

However, the Cardinals had other ideas as they got on top early and stayed on top. Unlike yesterday there was no comeback by the Pirates as they would lose 10-6 at PNC Park Monday night.

The next couple series are key for the Bucs as they take on some of the best teams in baseball. They already passed the first test in sweeping the Cincinnati Reds. They have three big games against the Cardinals and then four games against the Atlanta Braves. Make no mistake: even though it is only April, these are big games for the Pirates.

After giving up one run in the first, the Pirates had a golden opportunity to tie the game in the bottom of the first as Starling Marte doubled and Travis Snider walked. Andrew McCutchen struck out, but Garrett Jones picked him up with an RBI single to center field.

April 15, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher James McDonald delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

James McDonald struggled in the second inning with his control as he hit a batter and threw a wild pitch and kept hanging his curveball and the Cardinals hitters hit him hard. After two runners scored the Cardinals had runners on first and third and McDonald induced a ground ball that should have ended the inning, but a throwing error by Clint Barmes not only kept the inning going but allowed another run to  score.

McDonald would then give u[ three straight hits. Allen Craig doubled, scoring two, Carlos Beltran singled to score Craig and Molina, who led off the inning with a ground out, would double home Beltran.

When the second inning finally ended the Bucs found themselves down 8-1. McDonald went 1 2/3 innings, giving up eight runs (only three of them were earned due to the error) and eight hits.

The third inning saw a different pitcher on the mound for the Pirates but the same result as more Cardinals would round the bases. Matt Holiday doubled, allowing two more runs to score.

McCutchen and Neil Walker would give the Bucco fans something to cheer about in the bottom of the third, as McCutchen doubled home Snider and Walker hit a two-run home run.

The Pirates strung three singles together in the eighth inning to inch closer and making it a 10-6 game. Jose Tabata, Michael McKenry and Marte got the hits.

Marte and Walker continued their hot hitting as Marte had three hits and Walker had two.

The Bucs look to get back to their winning ways Tuesday night when they send Jonathan Sanchez to the mound.