Pittsburgh Pirates series review vs St. Louis Cardinals

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Game Two: Gerrit Cole (18-8, 2.60ERA) vs. Michael Wacha (17-6, 3.15ERA)

Result: Pirates win 8-2

Winning Pitcher: Gerrit Cole (19-8, 2.60ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Michael Wacha (17-7, 3.38ERA)

• What went right:
  • Gerrit Cole shoved again, completely shutting down the Cardinals offense. He went seven innings, allowed two runs on seven hits and struck out two.
  • Francisco Cervelli had himself a ballgame. Going 2-4 with a grand slam home run, four RBI and two runs scored.
  • Gregory Polanco had a pretty big game. He went 2-4 with a walk and two RBI.
  • Antonio Bastardo and Jared Hughes were great in relief as both threw scoreless innings of relief to close the game.

• What went wrong:
  • Matt Carpenter was a tough out as usual against the Pirates. He went 2-4 with an RBI and two runs scored.
  • Jhonny Peralta had two hits of his own.
  • Tony Cruz somehow got two hits off of Gerrit Cole, despite entering the game hitting only .188. Can’t Predict Baseball.
  • Aramis Ramirez grounded into an inning ending double play.

The Pirates were able to stave off elimination from NL Central contention by winning game one of a doubleheader. They entered game two hoping to win the series and enter the final series of the regular season still alive for a division title.

Next: Game Three: Morton vs. Lyons