It wasn’t the best start for the Pirates against the St. Louis Cardinals in their final game of the three-game set. Pirates starter Erik Bedard surrendered two first inning runs, number 21 and 22 of the season against the Pirates in the first inning, and ran into a mess in the second inning as well. Thanks to an error, the Cardinals were able to load up the bases against Bedard, but after throwing 30 pitches, he was able to get out of the inning without giving up a run. Despite the rough start, the Pirates and Bedard were able to find their groove en route to the 6-3 win over St. Louis.
Bedard struck out 11 on the day in just five innings, becoming the first Pirates left-handed pitcher to record 11 strikeouts since Oliver Perez. As a whole, the Pirates struck out 17 batters, the first time since 1980 against the Cubs. After losing his first four decisions of the year, Bedard was able to improve his record to 2-4 after the win on Thursday. Pacing the offense was Jose Tabata with three hits. Pedro Alvarez continued to stay on his hot streak hitting his seventh home run of the season, a two-run shot, and his sixth since April 18. Shortstop Clint Barmes was able to contribute again with two RBI doubles
With the win, the Pirates will return home for a nine-game home stand against the very good pitching staffs of Cincinnati and Washington. Tomorrow’s game will feature Kevin Correia for the Pirates against Johnny Cueto and his 1.39 ERA. This will make the fourth straight pitcher the Pirates will face with an ERA in 1.30 range.
The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.
Photo Credits: Getty Images
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