Pittsburgh Pirates series takeaways vs. St Louis Cardinals

Jul 10, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) takes the field to pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Game Two: Gerrit Cole (12-3, 2.28ERA) vs. Lance Lynn (6-5, 2.53ERA)

Result: Pirates win 5-2

Winning Pitcher: Gerrit Cole (13-3, 2.30ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Lance Lynn (6-6, 2.90ERA)

Save: Mark Melancon (29, 1.50ERA)

• What went right:
  • Gerrit Cole did what aces do in big games. He threw seven innings, allowed two runs on five hits and struck out three. He didn’t have his dominant stuff, but he kept the Cardinals off the scoreboard.
  • Neil Walker had a huge game. Going 3-4 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored.
  • Jung-ho Kang just keeps playing well in relief of the injured Josh Harrison. He went 2-4 with an RBI and a run scored.
  • Tony Watson and Mark Melancon continue to be one of the most reliable tandems in baseball as they shut the game down and sealed the win.

• What went wrong:
  • Matt Carpenter was as annoying as always. Had numerous good at-bats and hit an early go-ahead two-run home run. He went 1-3 with a home run, two RBI, a run scored and a walk.
  • Tommy Pham was a surprising thorn in the Pirates’ side. Going 2-4 with a run scored.
  • Jhonny Peralta keeps hitting Pirates’ pitching as he went 2-4.

Cole got it rolling in the right direction. Did his fellow all-star keep it going?

Next: Burnett vs Lackey