A four run fourth inning gave the Pirates a lead as Michael McKenry hit another three run homer. After that, the Cardinals pitchers played with fire but escaped it every single time, shutting the Bucs out over the last five innings.
Erik Bedard had another mediocre start, giving up five earned runs in 4.2 innings. He gave up eight hits and struck out five. The big problem was the home run ball, he gave up two of them to Allen Craig and Yadier Molina. Chris Resop, Juan Cruz, and Tony Watson pitched scoreless innings to keep the Pirates in the ballgame.
All of this without Andrew McCutchen in the lineup, who is day to day with a sprained wrist. The team has seven home games before the all-star break, starting with four against the Astros beginning tomorrow night.