7-Run Third Inning Sinks Pirates In Game 1 Of NLDS Against Cardinals
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Carlos Beltran's three-run homer sparked a seven-run third inning and the St. Louis Cardinals got seven stingy innings from Adam Wainwright, delivering a reality jolt to the Pittsburgh Pirates with a 9-1 rout Thursday in their NL division series opener.
The first eight Cardinals reached safely in the third to chase A.J. Burnett, saddling the right-hander with the second-shortest outing of his career and putting Game 1 out of reach early. A sellout crowd roared early and then settled in for an easy victory.
Lance Lynn (15-10) faces Pirates rookie Gerrit Cole (10-7) in Game 2 Friday.
