PITTSBURGH -- An opportunity to tighten things atop the National League Central all but dissolved for the Cardinals before the first inning even came to an end on Saturday. The Pirates pounced on starter Lance Lynn for eight instant runs that pushed them toward an eventual 11-6 win and snapped the momentum St. Louis had been building amid a four-game winning streak.
The Cardinals took the field knowing that the Brewers had already pulled even with them in the standings by stealing an afternoon victory over the division-leading Cubs. But the Cards were unable to grab the ground available to gain.