Albert Pujols’ hitting helps St. Louis Cardinals defeat Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2 – MLB Update
First baseman Albert Pujols had an RBI single in the seventh inning to help St. Louis Cardinals defeat Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2 at Busch Stadium, St. Louis on April 5.
Pujols expressed his excitement and said, “How many games we got left? 158? There's no panic, man. I think the main thing people kind of take for granted is everybody expects me to go deep every day or get three hits. I can even though I don't feel good
at the plate.”
The starting period of the game was not a positive one for the Pujols as he was 2-for-16 with 0-4 as he practiced before the start of game. The Cardinals were on top with a first inning home-run. Allen Craig took an RBI single in the fourth inning while
the fifth innings sacrifice fly took the score level.
Major credit goes to the Cardinals’ starting pitcher Kyle McClellan, who had his first start in the regular season. McClellan pitched six strong innings as he struck-out seven batters and gave up two runs on six hits. While the Cardinals’ relief pitcher
Miguel Batista threw just over a one shut-out innings as he did not give a single run to the rivals.
The Pirates’ first baseman Lyle Overbay hit a two run homer to right centre-field on a curveball pitched by McClellan.
After that awful delivery to Overbay, McClellan improved his line of pitching and did not allow any run from the second to the fifth inning. Pedro Alvarez did not take a single run with four at-bats on McClellan’s pitching.
Speaking to reporters, McClellan said, “It took me about three innings before I felt like I kind of got control of everything. There's definitely a lot more on your shoulders.”
McClellan felt some problems with his spot before the start of the game but he developed himself and provided an exemplary start to the Cardinals which proved his glimpse of extra-ordinary performance in the spring training season. McClellan felt some relief
after striking two hitters. He was replaced in the seventh inning.
During the appearance in the Major Leagues, Miguel Batista allowed just one walk and a solo hit in just over an innings.
The Cardinals put in a brilliant performance to dominate the game from the beginning. They managed to restrict the Pirates’ offence and did not allow them to get any major hits off. However, the Pirates did fight hard and managed to crawl back into the game.
Pittsburgh’s performance was good, but it was just not enough for a decisive victory against the Cardinals. St. Louis will be looking to carry their winning momentum into their next match-up.
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