The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-4 Wednesday afternoon, avoiding a three-game series sweep at PNC Park. Luis Ortiz returned from Triple-A Indianapolis to make his first start since July 4th and allowed five earned runs in three innings. One day after hitting his 299th career home run, Andrew McCutchen had a career-high three doubles in the game. Ke’Bryan Hayes hit his 9th home run of the season.
Yesterday’s game was interrupted mid-way through due to rain delay.
The Bucs open a four-game series with the Chicago Cubs tonight at 7:05pm.
Injured Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz is apparently not going to return to play this season. Cruz is recovering from a broken ankle suffered April 9th, and had begun a running program with an expected return to play this month. He suffered a setback in his progression this week, and has shutdown his rehab efforts.