Game 57 Recap-
A pinch hit grand slam by Of Jason Michaels in the 8th inning tied the game and LF Jason Bay’s single won it as the Pittsburgh Pirates won 5-4 Monday Night vs the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The 5 run inning ruined a great performance by RH Adam Wainwright(5-2,3.12) thru 7. He allowed 1 hit thru 5 and erased it with a double play. His final totals were 8 innings pitched with 7 hits and 5 runs against. He walked 2 and struck out 4.
Veteran LH Tom Gorzelanny pitched one of his better games of the season and looked like he did in his great 2007 campaign. He went 6 innings, allowing 7 hits and 4 runs with 3 walks and 2 strike outs. This was huge for a team that needs good starting pitching to survive. Two Cardinals hitters provided all of the offense in 1b Albert Pujols and OF Ryan Ludwick. In the 1st they plated 2 runs(Pujols double, Ludwick single) and matched it in the 3rd(Pujols infield single & Ludwick sacrifice fly) to give St. Louis the 4-0 lead.
The Pirates bullpen also pitched well to pick up Tom G, RH Franquelis Osoria got the win(3-1) with his 1 2/3 innings of work, he allowed 2 hits and struck out 1, LH Damaso Marte finished the 8th. Closer Matt Capps pitched a clean 9th for his 11th save and a nice Pirates win to split the 4 games in Missouri.
Star of the Game-
Michaels- With one swing, he produced 4 off the 9 runs in the game! Good pro and bat off the bench.
Pirates Notes-
1st Pirates PH grand slam since Craig Wilson vs Milwaukee in 2003…SS Jack Wilson was back in the lineup from his reoccurring calf injury, he was 1-3 with no new problems…CF Nate McLouth got a huge ovation from the St. Louis fans after a great catch to steal a triple or possible homer in the 1st
Next Game-
Tuesday- Start a 3 game series vs Houston Astros at PNC Park
Pirates LH Phil Dumatrait(2-2,3.52) vs Astros LH Wandy Rodriquez(1-1,2.89)
