Cards drop Pirates
ST. LOUIS — Start after start, Todd Wellemeyer makes his case for being in the St. Louis Cardinals' rotation for good.
The former waiver-wire pickup worked seven sharp innings and Albert Pujols homered for the third time in four games in a 5-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates Friday night.
"I kind of know I belong," Wellemeyer said. "They gave me an opportunity and I'm going to make the best of it. I'm not trying to think too much out there, just pitching."
Rookie Joe Mather, recalled from Triple-A Memphis earlier in the day after struggling Chris Duncan was demoted, had a memorable debut both at the plate and in right field. He hit an RBI single in the seventh and made a diving catch in the second, fully extending to rob Adam LaRoche of a likely RBI double on a liner down the line, helping the Cardinals win for the sixth time in eight games.
Pujols' 14th homer was a two-run shot to straightaway center in the bottom of the first that answered Nate McLouth's 13th homer, a solo shot just over the right-field wall, in the top half for Pittsburgh. Wellemeyer added a sacrifice fly in the second and Cesar Izturis had an RBI single in the seventh through a drawn-in infield.
Pinch hitter Jason Michael's three-run double off stand-in closer Ryan Franklin with two outs in the ninth, his second hit in 11 pinch appearances and first RBI, cut the deficit to one before McLouth's comebacker gave Franklin his fifth save in seven chances.
"We had the right guy at the plate at the end," manager John Russell said. "We just couldn't finish it off."
Zach Duke (2-4) worked six innings and gave up three runs, two earned, and five hits. Duke's start was pushed back a day because a callus on his left middle finger. He allowed hits to three of the first six hitters before settling in.
"I'm glad I kept us in the game," Duke said. "At the same time, I didn't pitch well enough to win."
Wellemeyer (6-1) won his career-best fourth straight decision and doubled his victory total from last season, when the Cardinals picked him up on waivers from the Royals and gave him his first opportunity as a starter. He worked seven innings, a career high he's reached four times this season, and allowed one run and six hits.
