Jack Wilson comes through in the 9th.The Pirates are mastering the art of the dramatic, opening-day victory.
Jack Wilson's bases-clearing double capped a four-run rally in the top of the ninth inning -- all after two outs -- to cap a 6-4 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals this afternoon at Busch Stadium.
Adam LaRoche's RBI single off St. Louis' rookie closer, Jason Motte, with two outs in the ninth pulled the Pirates within one, and pinch-hitter Eric Hinske doubled him to third. Brandon Moss was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Wilson quickly dug an 0-2 hole, and the 45,832 in attendance rose to their feet, but he drilled a 96-mph fastball to the fence in left-center, and everyone came around to score.
The place, already somewhat emptied because of the 30-degree temperatures, fell silent.
Closer Matt Capps recorded the save.
Tyler Yates had given up Ryan Ludwick's home run in the eighth that put the Cardinals ahead, 3-2.
Yates then walked Chris Duncan and was relieved by John Grabow, who promptly gave up Skip Schumaker's pinch-hit single to put men at the corners. David Freese hit a sacrifice fly to right, one greatly assisted by poor throw to home plate by Moss, and it was 4-2.
The Pirates' Paul Maholm pitched 6 2/3 mostly efficient innings -- two runs, seven hits, 89 pitches -- but did not earn a decision.
Nyjer Morgan, batting in the leadoff spot despite a .238 spring, went 3 for 4 with two RBIs and a steal.
More -
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09096/960994-100.stm
2 comments:
Thanks for the good word, but the rally was in the top of the ninth, not the bottom -- they played in St. Louis! Let's go Bucs.
Lee
Change made. Even the Post-Gazette can make mistakes apparently. Go Bucos.
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