It was a real heart breaker in Pittsburgh Tuesday night against the St. Louis Cardinals, losing an extra-innings game they had every opportunity to win.The Pirates looked prepped to strike early with bases loaded in the bottom of the 1st, but with one out Xavier Nady popped out to first base and Adam LaRoche, now hitting 6th in the lineup, flied out to center to end the inning.
In the 4th Pirates catcher Jose Bautista hit a solo shot off Cardinals starter Randy Keilser. Freddy Sanchez doubled in the 6th, and was brought home on a Jason Bay single to left field, increasing the Pirates lead to 2.
Pittsburgh starter Gorzellany threw a scoreless 7 innings, allowing only 4 hits.
In the 9th, Pirates closer Salomon Torres gave up an outfield single to lead off man David Eckstein, and
walked Chris Duncan. The next batter, Albert Pujols, flied out to Jason Bay in left. Eckstein tagged up and advanced to third, and taking advantage of Jason Bay throwing to third, Duncan advanced to second. With the tying run now in scroing position, cleanup hitter Scott Spiezzio singled to right field, scoring both runners and trying the game.
The Pirates again had a chance to win the game, in the bottom of the 10th with runners on first and second with no outs. But the Cardinals infield retired the lead runner on Jack Wilson's bunt, and relief pitcher Brad Thompson struck out Freddy Sanchez and Jason Bay to end the threat.
Pittsburgh relief pitcher John Wasdin gave up a single to Gary Bennet, then a double to Aaron Miles in the top of the 12th. An intentional walk loaded the bases, and on Skip Schumaker's fly to left field Bennet attempted to tag-up and score from third. The Jason Bay throw was on time, but Bucs catcher Ronny Paulino dropped the ball on the tag, and Bennet was ruled safe, giving the Cardinals a 3-2 lead.
Leading off the bottom of the 12th, Chris Duffy walked, putting the Pirates tying run on-base. However Jack Wilson hit an infield pop out, and Freddy Sanchez hit into a game ended double play.
The Pirates look to avoid the sweep, Wednesday at home, before Barry Bonds and San Fransisco Giants come into town for a weekend series.
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