Game 56 Recap-
The St Louis Cardinals jumped out with a 5 run 2nd inning; and that was more than enough for RH Braden Looper to work with, beating the Pirates 9-4. Leading the Redbird offense were OF Skip Schumaker had 2 hits with 3 rbi & 3b Troy Glaus continued his strong series with 3 hits(solo homer), a rbi and 2 runs.
The veteran Looper was effective over 5 2/3 innings plus, allowing 8 hits and 3 runs with 1 strikeout and 3 walks. He helped his own cause with 2 hits and an rbi as well as 2 runs. Looper is now 7-4 on the season. After the Pirates scored a single run in the 2nd inning, the Cardinals took over with 5 in their half of the inning. RBI singles by 2b Adam Kennedy, Looper and Schumaker hi-lighted the frame.
Veteran RH SP Ian Snell(2-5,5.94) continues to struggle for Pittsburgh. Over 4 innings, he allowed 8 hits and 6 runs. He also struck out 3 and walked 2. He lost his 5th consecutive decision and has not won since April 12th. The Pirates pen pitched the final 4 runs and allowed only a solo shot from Glaus. 3b Jose Bautista led the Pittsburgh hitting with 3 hits, 2 rbi and a run.
Star of the Game-
Looper- winning pitcher and had 2 hits
Pirates Notes-
Team was 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position…. Game was delayed for 13 minutes in the 5th when an advertising sign malfunctioned in Centerfield… SS Jack Wilson was held out again with his calf injury, Saturday’s hero Luis Rivas took his spot in the field and in the 2 hole, he had his 3rd double of the season in 5 at bats
Next Game-
Game 4 of series, St. Louis has won 2 of 3
Monday- 8:15-Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Pirates LH Tom Gorzelanny(4-5,7.38) vs Cardinals RH Adam Wainwright(5-2,2.86)
