Pittsburgh Pirates series takeaways vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Aug 11, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jeff Locfke (49) throws to a St. Louis Cardinals batter during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Game One: Jeff Locke (6-6, 4.31ERA) vs. Carolos Martinez (11-4, 2.57ERA)

Result: Pirates lose 4-3

Winning Pitcher: Carlos Martinez (12-4, 2.62ERA

Losing Pitcher: Jeff Locke (6-7, 4.43ERA)

Save: Trevor Rosenthal (34, 1.54ERA)

• What went right:
  • Gregory Polanco just keep hitting and growing before our eyes as he went 3-4 with a run scored.
  • Jung-ho Kang started the game the right way with a first inning RBI. He went 1-4 on the night.
  • Pedro Alvarez continued to be a Cardinal killer as he went 2-4 with a home run, an RBI and a run scored.
  • Starling Marte also had a multi-hit game as he went 2-4 with a run scored.

• What went wrong:
  • Jeff Locke once again let the game get away from him early as he only lasted five innings and gave up four runs on seven hits.
  • Once Carlos Martinez settled down, he completely shut down the Pirates as he went eight innings, allowed three runs on nine hits and struck out eight.
  • Kolten Wong was once again a Pirate-killer as he went 2-4 with two runs scored.
  • Jason Heyward was the biggest difference in the game as he went 2-4 with two RBI and a run scored.

The Pirates let a game get away from them as they lost a game they probably should have won. They looked to rebound with their ace on the mound.

Next: Game Two: Cole vs Wacha