Kyle Lohse shines as St. Louis Cardinals defeat Pittsburgh Pirates 7-4 – MLB Update
The St. Louis Cardinals continued their fight for supremacy in the National Leagues Central division as they defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-4 to successfully split the four-game series between both sides at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri on Sunday,
August 28.
Kyle Lohse was central to the win as the right-handed starting pitcher threw five immaculate innings to wrap-up his 100th career-win. Lohse left the mound after throwing 99 pitches for just four runs amid six hits and four strike-outs. He gave
away just two earned-runs to bring his ERA down to 3.72. Lohse’s win-loss record for the season now stands at 12-8.
Jeff Karstens leaked a run more than his opposite number in just 3.2 innings to lose his eighth game of the season. His pitching was dreary and lacked both variety and accuracy. Karstens made five costly-errors in a total of 65 pitches to see his earned-run
average soar up to 3.32.
The Pirates started off impressively with Andrew McCutchen’s single towards centre field allowing a run to Jose Tabata in the first inning.
The Cardinals, without Albert Pujols in their line-up, did well to reply strongly with three runs in their first chance on the plate. Allen Craig, Matt Holliday and Lance Berkman scored a run each to push St. Louis to a commendable two-run lead early in
the game.
The Pirates have shown signs of brilliance this season but consistency has been their main point of concern. They made a strong reply as early as the second inning to take a one-run lead for the second time in the game but, as it has been this season, failed
to build on it. Josh Harrison, Ronny Cedeno and Michael McKenry scored a run each to take the Pirates to 4-3 at the end of the second inning.
The Cardinals have been ardent to improve their standing this season and Lance Berkman depicted that enthusiasm when his effort in the third inning levelled the game at 4-4. Lohse then took the Cardinals to a one-run lead in the fourth inning to make his
100th win a memorable one before Matt Holliday and Berkman completed the seven runs for St. Louis.
Jason Motte impressed at the depth for the Cardinals as he saved his first game after pitching a perfect ninth inning.
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