Kyle Lohse Pitches Cardinals Past Pirates

Cardinals starter Kyle Lohse tossed seven strong innings
 and picked up the win in the Cardinals 7-2 victory over the
 Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night. - Photo courtesy
 of Getty Images

The St. Louis Cardinals needed starter Kyle Lohse to have a huge game.  The team entered Wednesday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates trailing in the National League Central Division standings by seven games and could not afford to fall yet another game behind the first place Milwaukee Brewers.

Thankfully, Lohse delivered in the big situation, allowing just two earned runs and five hits over seven innings to pick up the victory in the Cardinals 7-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

After a shaky first inning that saw Lohse throw 30 pitches, the right-hander settled down, allowing just one walk while striking out seven Pirates hitters.

While Lohse was stellar on the hill in a key spot for the Cardinals, he was not the only star of the game.

Allen Craig, filling in for Lance Berkman in right field, got the Cardinals off to a quick start in the bottom of the first inning with a two run home run to give the Cardinals a 2-0 lead.

Craig was not done there as he hit his second home run of the night in the seventh inning.  On the night Craig picked up four hits in five plate appearances and three RBI's.

Yadier Molina also contributed offensively, going three for five with an RBI on the night.

The Cardinals are now 66-58 on the season and next travel to Chicago to take on the hated Cubs.

Sources:

• Box Score - St. Louis Cardinals 7 Pittsburgh Pirates 2

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