PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - The St.Louis Cardinals hit 5 home runs on their way to a victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates 14-8 Wednesday night at PNC Park.
The Cardinals took control of the game in the 2nd inning as they sent 13 batters to the plate and scored 9 runs to take the lead 9-2 early on and never looked back as they take the first three games of the series.
With all the positive feelings heading into the All Star Break, it has been a challenge for the Pirates as they are 2-10 since the break.
Starting Pitcher Jordan Lyles retired the Cardinals 1-2-3 in the Top of the 1st inning with two strikeouts, but the outing fell apart in the 2nd inning as St. Louis plated 9 runs in the inning (8 allowed by Lyles), including 3 home runs.
With the Cardinals holding a 9 run lead heading into the 7th inning and after pinch hitting for Keone Kela in the bottom of the 6th, Jose Osuna remained in the game and took the mound for the 7th and 8th innings.