ST. LOUIS -- The Pirates managed only six hits, five of them singles, in their 5-0 loss to the Cardinals on Thursday night at Busch Stadium. The lack of power has been a recurring theme and a concern that may follow Pittsburgh into next season.
The Pirates have lost 12 of their last 16 games. During that stretch, they have hit only six homers and scored only 39 runs. Any lineup without a consistent source of power is more dependent upon extended rallies and timely hits. The Bucs put men on base and showed plenty of patience as they drew six walks, but the big hit went missing.