CHRISTOPHER PANSINO – OVATHLETICS.COM
The Pirates extended their winning streak to four-games with a 5-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals Tuesday. This is their longest streak of the season and the longest since a five-game streak in August 17-22 of 2009.
The Pirates are well below .500 with 100 losses and the worst record in major leagues nearly guaranteed at this point. But the Pirates still have something to fight for, as their home record sits at 37-39 and the Pirates could finish above .500 at home, which would be an big accomplishment. The Pirates would have to win four of their next five to make that a reality.
The Pirates took an early lead Tuesday evening, scoring five runs in the first four innings off of Cardinals starter, Jake Westbrook.
In the first the Pirates scored three runs when Westbrook loaded the bases with a pair of walks. The inning was cut short after a fielding error Brendan Ryan allowed the last of three runs to score. Pedro Alvarez would be forced out at home, leaving the bases loaded. But the following batter Paul Maholm would leave those runners stranded after striking out.
Then in the third the Pirates would rack up two more runs off of Westbrook after an RBI triple by Jose Tabata. Tabata would finish 2 for 4 with that pair of RBIs.
Pirate’s starter Paul Maholm would allow two runs on seven hits during his seven innings of pitching. Maholm who struck out four in the game bounced back into better form in this game, working through fewer jams and extended innings than his last two outings.
Joel Hanrahan and Evan Meek came in to clean up the final two innings allowing a single hit. Meek earned his fourth save of the season.
The Pirates will continue their series Wednesday evening, hopefully with the same motivation toward an above .500 home record.
