Despite seven hits and holding Paul Skenes to another no-decision, the St Louis Cardinals were unable to capitalize on opportunities, allowing a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning to stand as the only run in a 1-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday, July 1 at PNC Park.
Henry Davis’ fly ball to center field was the first out of the inning, but was deep enough to score leadoff runner Ke’Bryan Hayes. Phil Maton took the loss, as he gave up a single to Hayes and double to Adam Frazier, setting up Hayes’ comfortable jog home on the sacrifice. Isiah Kiner-Falefa added a single, but Maton was able to retire the next two batters to complete the scoreline.
The Cardinals had their chances but ended up 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position, stranding ten base runners. Alec Burleson hit into a double play to end the third inning, stranding Victor Scott II at third. In the next inning, after Willson Contreras was hit by a pitch from Skenes, he attempted to score from second on a Pedro Pagés single. However, he was tagged out at the plate for the final out of the fourth. Contreras would leave the game afterward. The Cardinals would threaten in the ninth, as a leadoff walk to José Fermín and double to Yohel Pozo put the tying run 90 feet away. Fermín would be tagged out at home on a fielders choice and unsuccessful challenge, while Pozo would end up standing on third base as David Bednar struck out Brendan Donovan to end the game and grab his 12th save of the year.
The shutout left Andre Pallante with a no-decision, after allowing just one hit and two runs across seven innings, including three strikeouts. However, the Pirates ace Skenes was again left without a win against the Cardinals, as he allowed five hits and a walk in five innings, while striking out five. Isaac Mattson claimed the win after a scoreless eighth, despite allowing a pair of walks.
The Cardinals (47-40) remain just ahead of the San Diego Padres for the third wild card spot, while four games behind the Cubs in the NL Central. Sonny Gray takes the mound for the series finale as the Redbirds look to avoid a sweep by the Central’s current cellar-dwellers; first pitch is at 11:35 a.m.