Pittsburgh Pirates series review vs Cardinals

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Game One: J.A. Happ (3-1, 1.98ERA vs. Carlos Martinez (13-6, 2.91ERA)

Result: Pirates win 9-3

Winning Pitcher: J.A. Happ (4-1, 1.57ERA

Losing Pitcher: Carlos Martinez (13-7, 3.04ERA)

• What went right:
  • J.A. Happ was outstanding again. He went seven innings, allowed zero runs on three hits and struck out eight. He completely shut down the Cardinals’ offense.
  • Starling Marte was the highlight of the offense in a game with nothing but highlights. He went 3-5 with three RBI.
  • Andrew McCutchen reached base three times as he went 2-4 with a walk and three runs scored.
  • Pirates went 8-16 as a team with runners in scoring position.

• What went wrong:
  • Stephen Piscotty went 2-4 with an RBI and continued to be the living embodiment of Cardinals Devil Magic.
  • Brandon Moss went 2-4 with a run scored.
  • Cody Stanley had a two-RBI pinch hit single.
  • Jordy Mercer grounded into a double play in the fourth inning.

J.A. Happ got the biggest series of the year (take five) off to a great start as he and the offense took care of business in game one. The Pirates then turned to Ground Chuck to take the series.

Next: Game Two: Morton vs Garcia