The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 3-1 last night, snapping a four-game losing streak. The Bucs scored twice in the top of the ninth for the victory. Francisco Liriano earned the win in relief of starting pitcher Dario Agrazal. It was Liriano’s fourth victory of the season. Felipe Vazquez picked up his 21st save, striking out two of three batters he faced.
Agrazal allowed just one run on five hits over six innings of work. He walked three and did not strike out a batter. The Pirates bullpen pitched three perfect innings of relief.
The Pirates had just five hits. Shortstop Kevin Newman drove in two of the three runs.
The Bucs and Cards complete their three-game series this afternoon in St. Louis. First pitch is 1:15pm. WISR will join the game following “It’s Your Turn with Dave Malarkey”. Chris Archer starts for the Pirates.
The Pirates return home following today’s game. They have Thursday off, then host Philadelphia this weekend.
First baseman Josh Bell was announced as the Pittsburgh Pirates 2019 Heart and Hustle Award winner Tuesday. The award honors active players who demonstrate a “passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and traditions of the game. It is the only award in Major League Baseball voted on by former players. Bell leads the major leagues with 84 RBI’s, although he has not had an RBI since the All-Star break.
One player from each team is selected, with an overall winner announced in November. Former Pirates infielder Josh Harrison won the overall award in 2014.