I think this signing was a waste of money.Freese is 32 years old and now you have to find a place for him to play or put 3 mil on the bench.I don't know if he can play first base but i know he is not taking third away from Harrison.I actually hope he dosen't make the team and gets cut before the season.
it would be great if it were THAT Neftali.. he's been a shell of himself ever since texas moved him to starter and he had tj surgery.
bounceb ack;115215 86 said:
Texas Rangers relief pitcher Neftali Feliz (R) celebrates with catcher Mike Napoli after the Rangers defeated the Detroit Tigers in Game 6 of MLB's ALCS baseball playoffs to take the pennant in Arlington, Texas, October 15, 2011.
OPENING DAY ODDS:
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| <small>St. Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates - Regular Season Game</small> | |||||||
| Sun 4/3 | 901 St. Louis Cardinals A Wainwright - R | <input id="editx" name="S1_12" size="4" style="font-size: 1em; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"> -1½ +160 | <input id="editx" name="M1_12" size="4" style="font-size: 1em; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"> -111 Listed | <input id="editx" name="L1_12" size="4" style="font-size: 1em; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"> o6½ +100 | |||
| 1:05PM | 902 Pittsburgh Pirates F Liriano - L | <input id="editx" name="S2_12" size="4" style="font-size: 1em; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"> +1½ -185 | <input id="editx" name="M2_12" size="4" style="font-size: 1em; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"> +101 Listed | <input id="editx" name="L2_12" size="4" style="font-size: 1em; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; color: rgb(68, 68, 68);"> u6½ -120 |
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Pittsburgh Pirates win the first game of the MLB season!
Francisco Liriano tosses 10 Ks in 6 IP to lead the Pirates past the St. Louis Cardinals, 4-1.
Francisco Liriano tosses 10 Ks in 6 IP to lead the Pirates past the St. Louis Cardinals, 4-1.
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5-year deal reportedly worth $35 million, includes 2 club options
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PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates have agreed to terms with outfielder Gregory Polanco on a five-year contract extension that includes two club options, an industry source told MLB.com on Sunday.
Polanco's deal is guaranteed for five years and $35 million, a source confirmed to MLB.com. If the Pirates pick up both of his options, the contract is worth $58 million over seven years.
Pittsburgh tried to sign Polanco to a long-term deal each of the past two years, to no avail. Attending the club's annual minicamp in mid-January, Polanco said publicly he was still interested in signing a long-term deal, but he'd heard "nothing" about any negotiations taking place.
"Whatever offer they bring, I'll check it out," Polanco said at the time. "I'll never say never."
Polanco, 24, looks poised for a breakthrough season in his third year with the Pirates. The Dominican Republic native signed with the Bucs in 2009 and quickly became a top prospect. He has hit .249/.316/.369 in two Major League seasons, but his potential shined through during the second half of last season.
From early July through the first week of September, the outfielder hit for contact and respectable power, and got on base at a .363 clip, putting together an .812 OPS over a 53-game stretch. Entering this season, Polanco said he wanted to finally put it all together and perform like a "star player," the way he did in the Minors.
Polanco started in right field for the Pirates in their season-opening 4-1 victory over the Cardinals on Sunday, batting 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored from the sixth spot in the lineup. He hit the ball with unusual authority, recording hits with exit velocities of 112 mph and 109 mph, according to Statcast™.
This deal, which begins in 2017, would provide further cost certainty for the Pirates' core group of players. Polanco wasn't yet eligible for salary arbitration, and this contract would keep him under club control through the 2023 season if the Bucs exercise both of his options.
Andrew McCutchen is under club control through 2018. Starling Marte is under contract through 2021. Josh Harrison signed an extension last April that includes club options through the 2020 season.
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5-year deal reportedly worth $35 million, includes 2 club options
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PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates have agreed to terms with outfielder Gregory Polanco on a five-year contract extension that includes two club options, an industry source told MLB.com on Sunday.
Polanco's deal is guaranteed for five years and $35 million, a source confirmed to MLB.com. If the Pirates pick up both of his options, the contract is worth $58 million over seven years.
Pittsburgh tried to sign Polanco to a long-term deal each of the past two years, to no avail. Attending the club's annual minicamp in mid-January, Polanco said publicly he was still interested in signing a long-term deal, but he'd heard "nothing" about any negotiations taking place.
"Whatever offer they bring, I'll check it out," Polanco said at the time. "I'll never say never."
Polanco, 24, looks poised for a breakthrough season in his third year with the Pirates. The Dominican Republic native signed with the Bucs in 2009 and quickly became a top prospect. He has hit .249/.316/.369 in two Major League seasons, but his potential shined through during the second half of last season.
From early July through the first week of September, the outfielder hit for contact and respectable power, and got on base at a .363 clip, putting together an .812 OPS over a 53-game stretch. Entering this season, Polanco said he wanted to finally put it all together and perform like a "star player," the way he did in the Minors.
Polanco started in right field for the Pirates in their season-opening 4-1 victory over the Cardinals on Sunday, batting 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored from the sixth spot in the lineup. He hit the ball with unusual authority, recording hits with exit velocities of 112 mph and 109 mph, according to Statcast™.
This deal, which begins in 2017, would provide further cost certainty for the Pirates' core group of players. Polanco wasn't yet eligible for salary arbitration, and this contract would keep him under club control through the 2023 season if the Bucs exercise both of his options.
Andrew McCutchen is under club control through 2018. Starling Marte is under contract through 2021. Josh Harrison signed an extension last April that includes club options through the 2020 season.
</section>
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PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates and Cardinals went back and forth for 10 innings as their bullpens put up a steady line of zeros. Pittsburgh finally broke the tie in the 11th inning, asJordy Mercer's walk-off single to right field gave the Bucs a 6-5 win over St. Louis on Tuesday night at PNC Park.
Gregory Polanco ended the Cardinals bullpen's streak of 18 consecutive batters retired with a one-out walk off reliever Seth Maness. Josh Harrison's single up the middle moved Polanco to second, and Mercer delivered the decisive hit, which slipped past Cards first baseman Matt Adams.
Making his Pirates debut, left-hander Jonathon Niese gave up five runs (four earned) on five hits and a walk while striking out seven. Niese pitched better than his line might indicate, as Pittsburgh made a few costly mistakes behind him, but St. Louis capitalized on two mistakes by Niese in the fourth. Niese hit Brandon Moss with a pitch, then served up a two-run homer to Jedd Gyorko, the second baseman's first with the Cardinals.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Mixed review: Aledmys Diaz wasted no time collecting a hit in his Major League debut, but he also committed a defensive flub that turned the game in the fifth.
Two innings after he laced a single to right, Diaz received a grounder off the bat of Francisco Cervelli with the bases full, one out and the Cardinals clinging to a 5-3 lead. But what was a tailor-made double-play ball was bobbled by Diaz, who couldn't get an out. Cardinals right-handerMichael Wacha was chased from his start, and the Pirates evened the game before the inning ended.
Corner misplays: The Pirates' corner outfielders didn't do Niese any favors, playing a part in at least two Cardinals runs. In the third inning, left fielder Starling Marte bobbled Stephen Piscotty's single, allowing Diaz to score, Matt Carpenter to reach third and Piscotty to take second. Carpenter immediately came around to score on a groundout by Matt Holliday.
In the fifth, right fielder Polanco took an indirect route into the right-center-field gap, turning what was likely a double by Piscotty into a triple. Piscotty scored on the next play, another defensive miscue, when Mercer threw wide of John Jaso at first.
UPON FURTHER REVIEW
The Cardinals unsuccessfully challenged a safe call on a bang-bang play at second base in the bottom of the 11th. Gyorko, who had moved over to short, made a diving stop to glove a Harrison ground ball and rolled the ball to second baseman Kolten Wong, who grabbed it as Polanco was sliding into second. Polanco was called safe, a ruling that was confirmed via instant replay. It turned out to be a key call, too, as Polanco came home as the game-winning run five pitches later.
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PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates and Cardinals went back and forth for 10 innings as their bullpens put up a steady line of zeros. Pittsburgh finally broke the tie in the 11th inning, asJordy Mercer's walk-off single to right field gave the Bucs a 6-5 win over St. Louis on Tuesday night at PNC Park.
Gregory Polanco ended the Cardinals bullpen's streak of 18 consecutive batters retired with a one-out walk off reliever Seth Maness. Josh Harrison's single up the middle moved Polanco to second, and Mercer delivered the decisive hit, which slipped past Cards first baseman Matt Adams.
Making his Pirates debut, left-hander Jonathon Niese gave up five runs (four earned) on five hits and a walk while striking out seven. Niese pitched better than his line might indicate, as Pittsburgh made a few costly mistakes behind him, but St. Louis capitalized on two mistakes by Niese in the fourth. Niese hit Brandon Moss with a pitch, then served up a two-run homer to Jedd Gyorko, the second baseman's first with the Cardinals.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Mixed review: Aledmys Diaz wasted no time collecting a hit in his Major League debut, but he also committed a defensive flub that turned the game in the fifth.
Two innings after he laced a single to right, Diaz received a grounder off the bat of Francisco Cervelli with the bases full, one out and the Cardinals clinging to a 5-3 lead. But what was a tailor-made double-play ball was bobbled by Diaz, who couldn't get an out. Cardinals right-handerMichael Wacha was chased from his start, and the Pirates evened the game before the inning ended.
Corner misplays: The Pirates' corner outfielders didn't do Niese any favors, playing a part in at least two Cardinals runs. In the third inning, left fielder Starling Marte bobbled Stephen Piscotty's single, allowing Diaz to score, Matt Carpenter to reach third and Piscotty to take second. Carpenter immediately came around to score on a groundout by Matt Holliday.
In the fifth, right fielder Polanco took an indirect route into the right-center-field gap, turning what was likely a double by Piscotty into a triple. Piscotty scored on the next play, another defensive miscue, when Mercer threw wide of John Jaso at first.
UPON FURTHER REVIEW
The Cardinals unsuccessfully challenged a safe call on a bang-bang play at second base in the bottom of the 11th. Gyorko, who had moved over to short, made a diving stop to glove a Harrison ground ball and rolled the ball to second baseman Kolten Wong, who grabbed it as Polanco was sliding into second. Polanco was called safe, a ruling that was confirmed via instant replay. It turned out to be a key call, too, as Polanco came home as the game-winning run five pitches later.
</section>
| AFTER 2 games......................... CENTRAL | W | L | PCT | GB | HOME | ROAD | RS | RA | DIFF | STRK | L10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Cubs | 2 | 0 | 1.000 | - | 0-0 | 2-0 | 15 | 1 | +14 | W2 | 2-0 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 2 | 0 | 1.000 | - | 2-0 | 0-0 | 10 | 6 | +4 | W2 | 2-0 |
| Cincinnati Reds | 1 | 0 | 1.000 | 0.5 | 1-0 | 0-0 | 6 | 2 | +4 | W1 | 1-0 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | 0 | 2 | .000 | 2 | 0-0 | 0-2 | 6 | 10 | -4 | L2 | 0-2 |
| Milwaukee Brewers | 0 | 2 | .000 | 2 | 0-2 | 0-0 | 4 | 14 | -10 | L2 | 0-2 |
<thead class="standings-categories" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
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[FONT=mlb_primary]<header class="cf top" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"></header>[/FONT][FONT=mlb_primary]<header class="cf top" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">Nicasio dazzles as Bucs sweep Cards</header>[/FONT][FONT=mlb_primary]<header class="cf top" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"></header>[/FONT][FONT=mlb_primary]<header class="cf top" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"></header>[/FONT][FONT=mlb_primary]<header class="cf top" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">
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PITTSBURGH -- The Spring Training sensation is for real, and so too are the Pirates. Right-hander Juan Nicasio fired six strong innings and the Bucs wrapped up a season-opening three-game sweep with a 5-1 win over the Cardinals on Wednesday night at PNC Park.
Nicasio, who earned a spot in the Pirates' rotation after an unexpectedly dominant spring, held the Cards to two hits and struck out seven in his Pittsburgh debut. Formerly a struggling starter with the Rockies and a middling reliever for the Dodgers, Nicasio blew past St. Louis' lineup with the same high-90 mph fastball and wipeout slider that propelled him through the spring.
"We wanted to give him the opportunity to get out there and continue to pitch," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "I thought he was very aggressive. … He was very effective."
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</figure>"It was right over the middle," Leake said of the fateful pitch to Cervelli. " I'd say that was kind of the icer."
Led by their latest successful reclamation project, the Pirates finished off their first three-game sweep of the Cardinals since September 2008. It's the first time since 2007 the Bucs have opened a season with three straight wins -- the same year the Cardinals last lost three straight to begin the season.
"They got big hits in big situations," said Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter. "They pitched better than us. And they played better defense overall. … It's three games. It wasn't the start we had hoped for, but it is what it is. Now we have to move past it and make some adjustments."
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</figcaption></figure>MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Easy as Juan, two, three: Nicasio enjoyed a breakthrough spring, striking out 24 batters in 15 scoreless innings, but such performances are often met with skepticism. Did it mean anything? Could he carry that success into the regular season? Nicasio immediately showed his stuff, striking out the first two batters he faced in a perfect first inning.
"I'm feeling really good," Nicasio said. "I'm not thinking too much."
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</figcaption></figure>Labor intensive: Leake, who was so efficient and effective this spring, extended himself during a 42-pitch first inning. He navigated through the inning with only one run allowed but was limited in how deep he could pitch into his Cardinals debut because of the early workload. In contrast, Leake followed that with three scoreless innings on 39 pitches.
"Just misses," Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said of Leake's start. "He's a guy, from what we saw in spring, he's just so dialed in. Everything was on the corners and moving. For whatever reason, once you head north, you have adjustments you have to make. Balls were just off, and it put him in tough counts, and tough counts put you in the big part of the plate."
Leadoff speed? The Pirates slotted Jaso atop the order for his on-base percentage, not his speed. But Jaso wheeled around the bases in a hurry in the fifth inning, banging a triple off the right-field Clemente Wall and hustling to third base. Second baseman Kolten Wongsailed a throw into the camera well by the Pirates' dugout, and Jaso trotted home to complete the Little League "homer.''
"I was thinking homer out of the chute," Jaso said, laughing.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>Hazelbaker homers: A day after collecting his first Major League hit, Jeremy Hazelbaker drew his first Major League start on Wednesday. He made the most of it, too, connecting for a solo homer to get the Cardinals on the scoreboard in the sixth inning. Hazelbaker led the team in home runs this spring.
"He takes a really good AB, a competitive at-bat," Carpenter said of Hazelbaker. "He's a tough out. The last couple days you have seen that pay off."
QUOTABLE
"I don't think we'll ever surprise ourselves when we play well. We're past that point. We expect to play well." -- Hurdle, on the season-opening sweep
"It's great to go in there. My job is to keep it right where it is. That's my role, and today I was able to do that. I'm happy about that." -- Cardinals Rule 5 reliever Matt Bowman, on throwing two scoreless innings in his Major League debut.
SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS
The Pirates have tripled in each of their first three games this season. The last time that happened? The year was 1910, when Honus Wagner was still manning shortstop in Pittsburgh.
With his 1,381st career start on Thursday, Yadier Molina passed Ted Simmons to become the Cardinals' all-time leader in starts by a catcher.
The Pirates have won nine of their last 12 games against the Cardinals at PNC Park.
This was Leake's first loss to the Pirates since May 8, 2012. In 17 starts against Pittsburgh between then and Wednesday, Leake was 7-0 with a 3.08 ERA.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
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</figcaption></figure>UPON FURTHER REVIEW
The Pirates lost their challenge in the fourth inning when they tried to get a caught-stealing call on Gregory Polanco overturned. Instead, a one-minute, 45-second review of the call confirmed the ruling.
Crew chief Jerry Layne initiated another instant replay review in the eighth inning after Hazelbaker had been ruled out on a bang-bang play at first. What had been ruled as an inning-ending double play was eventually overturned, and Hazelbaker was awarded the base. The Cardinals could not turn the second chance into a run.
WHAT'S NEXT
Cardinals: After an off-day on Thursday, the Cardinals will return to the field on Friday to open a three-game series against the Braves at 6:35 p.m. CT. Barring an October visit, this series will mark the Cardinals' final time playing at Turner Field, where they are 24-43 all-time. Lefty Jaime Garcia will make his season debut against Atlanta's Matt Wisler.
Pirates: After taking Thursday off, the Pirates will travel to Cincinnati on Friday to begin a three-game series against the Reds at Great American Ball Park. Opening Day starterFrancisco Liriano will pitch the opener at 7:10 p.m. ET against Reds righty Alfredo Simon.
</section>
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PITTSBURGH -- The Spring Training sensation is for real, and so too are the Pirates. Right-hander Juan Nicasio fired six strong innings and the Bucs wrapped up a season-opening three-game sweep with a 5-1 win over the Cardinals on Wednesday night at PNC Park.
Nicasio, who earned a spot in the Pirates' rotation after an unexpectedly dominant spring, held the Cards to two hits and struck out seven in his Pittsburgh debut. Formerly a struggling starter with the Rockies and a middling reliever for the Dodgers, Nicasio blew past St. Louis' lineup with the same high-90 mph fastball and wipeout slider that propelled him through the spring.
"We wanted to give him the opportunity to get out there and continue to pitch," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "I thought he was very aggressive. … He was very effective."
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
</figure>"It was right over the middle," Leake said of the fateful pitch to Cervelli. " I'd say that was kind of the icer."
Led by their latest successful reclamation project, the Pirates finished off their first three-game sweep of the Cardinals since September 2008. It's the first time since 2007 the Bucs have opened a season with three straight wins -- the same year the Cardinals last lost three straight to begin the season.
"They got big hits in big situations," said Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter. "They pitched better than us. And they played better defense overall. … It's three games. It wasn't the start we had hoped for, but it is what it is. Now we have to move past it and make some adjustments."
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Easy as Juan, two, three: Nicasio enjoyed a breakthrough spring, striking out 24 batters in 15 scoreless innings, but such performances are often met with skepticism. Did it mean anything? Could he carry that success into the regular season? Nicasio immediately showed his stuff, striking out the first two batters he faced in a perfect first inning.
"I'm feeling really good," Nicasio said. "I'm not thinking too much."
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>Labor intensive: Leake, who was so efficient and effective this spring, extended himself during a 42-pitch first inning. He navigated through the inning with only one run allowed but was limited in how deep he could pitch into his Cardinals debut because of the early workload. In contrast, Leake followed that with three scoreless innings on 39 pitches.
"Just misses," Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said of Leake's start. "He's a guy, from what we saw in spring, he's just so dialed in. Everything was on the corners and moving. For whatever reason, once you head north, you have adjustments you have to make. Balls were just off, and it put him in tough counts, and tough counts put you in the big part of the plate."
Leadoff speed? The Pirates slotted Jaso atop the order for his on-base percentage, not his speed. But Jaso wheeled around the bases in a hurry in the fifth inning, banging a triple off the right-field Clemente Wall and hustling to third base. Second baseman Kolten Wongsailed a throw into the camera well by the Pirates' dugout, and Jaso trotted home to complete the Little League "homer.''
"I was thinking homer out of the chute," Jaso said, laughing.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>Hazelbaker homers: A day after collecting his first Major League hit, Jeremy Hazelbaker drew his first Major League start on Wednesday. He made the most of it, too, connecting for a solo homer to get the Cardinals on the scoreboard in the sixth inning. Hazelbaker led the team in home runs this spring.
"He takes a really good AB, a competitive at-bat," Carpenter said of Hazelbaker. "He's a tough out. The last couple days you have seen that pay off."
QUOTABLE
"I don't think we'll ever surprise ourselves when we play well. We're past that point. We expect to play well." -- Hurdle, on the season-opening sweep
"It's great to go in there. My job is to keep it right where it is. That's my role, and today I was able to do that. I'm happy about that." -- Cardinals Rule 5 reliever Matt Bowman, on throwing two scoreless innings in his Major League debut.
SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS
The Pirates have tripled in each of their first three games this season. The last time that happened? The year was 1910, when Honus Wagner was still manning shortstop in Pittsburgh.
With his 1,381st career start on Thursday, Yadier Molina passed Ted Simmons to become the Cardinals' all-time leader in starts by a catcher.
The Pirates have won nine of their last 12 games against the Cardinals at PNC Park.
This was Leake's first loss to the Pirates since May 8, 2012. In 17 starts against Pittsburgh between then and Wednesday, Leake was 7-0 with a 3.08 ERA.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>UPON FURTHER REVIEW
The Pirates lost their challenge in the fourth inning when they tried to get a caught-stealing call on Gregory Polanco overturned. Instead, a one-minute, 45-second review of the call confirmed the ruling.
Crew chief Jerry Layne initiated another instant replay review in the eighth inning after Hazelbaker had been ruled out on a bang-bang play at first. What had been ruled as an inning-ending double play was eventually overturned, and Hazelbaker was awarded the base. The Cardinals could not turn the second chance into a run.
WHAT'S NEXT
Cardinals: After an off-day on Thursday, the Cardinals will return to the field on Friday to open a three-game series against the Braves at 6:35 p.m. CT. Barring an October visit, this series will mark the Cardinals' final time playing at Turner Field, where they are 24-43 all-time. Lefty Jaime Garcia will make his season debut against Atlanta's Matt Wisler.
Pirates: After taking Thursday off, the Pirates will travel to Cincinnati on Friday to begin a three-game series against the Reds at Great American Ball Park. Opening Day starterFrancisco Liriano will pitch the opener at 7:10 p.m. ET against Reds righty Alfredo Simon.
</section>
| CENTRAL | W | L | PCT | GB | HOME | ROAD | RS | RA | DIFF | STRK | L10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 3 | 0 | 1.000 | - | 3-0 | 0-0 | 15 | 7 | +8 | W3 | 3-0 |
| Chicago Cubs | 2 | 0 | 1.000 | 0.5 | 0-0 | 2-0 | 15 | 1 | +14 | W2 | 2-0 |
| Cincinnati Reds | 2 | 0 | 1.000 | 0.5 | 2-0 | 0-0 | 9 | 4 | +5 | W2 | 2-0 |
| Milwaukee Brewers | 1 | 2 | .333 | 2 | 1-2 | 0-0 | 8 | 17 | -9 | W1 | 1-2 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | 0 | 3 | .000 | 3 | 0-0 | 0-3 | 7 | 15 | -8 | L3 | 0-3 |
<thead class="standings-categories" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
</thead><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;">
</tbody>
