Pittsburgh Pirates series review vs St. Louis Cardinals

By Steve Kubitz
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