Pirates take over sole possession of first with 7-1 win

The Pirates scored two runs in the second and five in the third as they beat the Cardinals 7-1 Saturday, taking over sole possession of first place in the NL Central.

Marlon Byrd doubled to lead off the second, then moved up on a grounder. Russell Martin walked, and then Byrd made an out on a fielder's choice. Martin came home, though, when Burnett improbably singled, and then Jose Tabata brought home Clint Barmes with an RBI single of his own.

The Cards scored one in the third, but the Pirates quickly made up for it. Pedro Alvarez led off with a double, then came home on Byrd's single up the middle. Then Garrett Jones walked, and Martin brought home three runs with a  no-doubt shot to right-center. Neil Walker brought home a run with a triple later in the inning.

Burnett pitched seven innings, striking out six and walking one, and then Vin Mazzaro pitched the eighth and ninth.

Justin Morneau did not play, but he joined the team midway through the game. He should be available tomorrow.