Pirates pitching steps up again, down Cardinals 2-1

Jordan Lyles had to be on point today and was he ever. Once again the Pirates win a 2-1 game to take a....2-1 series lead against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Pirates offense continues to get by on the bare minimum, but a win’s a win.

Lyles went six innings, surrendering just one hit and allowing three walks. The lone hit knocked in the only run and represented all the offense the Cardinals could muster. Lyles drew a lot of contact, 22 of which were fouled off out of 43 total swings. He induced only seven whiffs but made them count as he finished the day with six strikeouts.

Pittsburgh managed just four hits, with Gregory Polanco and Josh Bell making the most of theirs with an RBI each. Bryan Reynolds went 0-4 with three strikeouts.

The bullpen took over in the 7th and helped secure the victory for Lyles. Kyle Crick once again couldn’t make it easy, walking two batters and allowing a hit. He left all three runners stranded by getting Marcell Ozuna to ground out on an 82-MPH slider.

Felipe Vazquez notched is 12th save, throwing 14 pitches with a 42.8% CSW-rate.

The four game series closes out tomorrow at 2:15 EST with Steve Brault dueling Dakota Hudson.