The Cardinals continue their track and take the first game in Pittsburgh handing the Pirates a loss, 4-3.  This was the Pirates sixth in their last seven games.  Cardinals SP Lohse had hitless innings through the third, but hit a speed-bump in the fourth giving up 2 runs. Lohse had no walks and three strike outs.  The Cardinals rallied back in the fifth putting up two runs to tie.  With rain beginning to fall, the game continued into the sixth inning.  A call to delay by the officials, but not before Cardinals Matt Holliday crunched a home run into the upper deck giving the Cards their lead that held for the night.  That was Holliday’s 24th HR this season. CP Motte got the save ~ his 31st in 36 chances.  But it was Holliday that gave Lohse his win.

Cardinals catcher Molina still does not look to be 100%, due to injury to his left ankle, but did have a couple of hits and ran the bases for a one of the Cardinals runs.  Pirates CF McCuthen’s right foot got caught up in the soggy turf, and was limping a bit after the play.  Neither team can afford to lose either player ~ both are key players for their respective teams, and great players in their own right.

However, a much-needed win for the Cardinals in view of the Wild Card Race.  For review, and for those putting winners to paper ~

In the American League ~ top of the standings are the Yankees (East), White Sox (Central) and the Rangers (West).   Wild Card standings at the moment …

• Baltimore Orioles (70-57)
• Oakland A’s (70-57)
• Tampa Bay Rays (70-58)  .5
• Detroit Tigers (69-58) 1.0

In the National League ~ top of the standings are the Nationals (East), Reds (Central) and the Giants (West)  Wild Card …

• Atlanta Braves (73-56)
• St. Louis Cardinals (71-57)
• LA Dodgers (69-60)  2.5
• Pittsburgh Pirates (68-60) 3.0

As we can see the race is a bit tighter in the American League.  With approx. 34 games left to play, much can happen.  It will be interesting to see how it comes down at the end.  But the Cardinals are in a must-do situation to extend the gap to be assured of a spot in the playoffs.

Everyone have a great day and continue to enjoy your games.  Always ~ Elichap