The Pittsburgh Pirates couldn't overcome the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday afternoon, losing 5-4 at Busch Stadium.
The Pirates had the bases loaded trailing by two and nobody out against Jason Motte in the ninth, but could only muster a single run on a fielders' choice by Andrew McCutchen. Garrett Jones then struck out and Josh Harrison hit into a fielders' choice to end the contest.
Earlier in the game, Erik Bedard was knocked around by the Redbirds, giving up five earned runs in just 4.2 innings of work on nine hits and three walks.
Jordy Mercer and Gaby Sanchez were bright spots for the Bucs. Both had two-hit games and a double, with Mercer driving in two runs.
Yadier Molina and Shane Robinson contributed two RBI apiece for St. Louis. Molina was a force all day, leading the way with three hits.
Lance Lynn was mediocre for the Cards, allowing three runs in 4.1 frames while striking out eight.
The Pirates remain a game ahead of St. Louis in both the NL Central and wild-card races.
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