Pirates Cardinals NLDS Game Three Gallery. First Inning.

The first inning of the National League Division Series was the most exciting inning that I have witnessed at PNC Park. Little did I know what would happen later.

We watched all of the pre-game activities.  Nervously took a few pictures.  Watched Pedro Alvarez waiting with his eyes intent on Francisco Liriano.  He was dying to get on the field.  As Liriano started to go up the steps, Alvarez darted from the dugout.

The crowd erupted.

Frank the Tank slowly walked to the mound.  The noise level kept rising.

It was rather easy to see that Liriano wasn’t bothered by the big moment.  Matt Carpenter stepped in, and 90 seconds later was heading back to the St. Louis Cardinals dugout a strikeout victim.    (Check out the pic in the gallery)

It was going to be a good night.

Alvarez made a phenomenal play on slow roller by Carlos Beltran.

Matt Holliday grounded out to shortstop Clint Barmes.  Three up, three down.

Joe Kelly was on the mound for the Cards and was greeted with a warm welcome.  Starling Marte flew out to deep centerfield, momentarily giving most of us at PNC Park Tim Neverett Depth Perception.

Neil Walker struck out swinging.  Everyone took a deep breath as Andrew McCutchen came to the plate.  Cutch went to work.  Moments later he was removing his shin guard.  Two out walk.

Justin Morneau reached on an infield rocket.  The throw by shortstop Kozma rolled away, putting Cutch on third and Morneau on second.

The first pitch Marlon Byrd saw that he could drive, he did.  He ripped a single to left field, plating Cutch and Morneau.

2-0 Pirates.