Instead, Paul DeJong stops the ball from going through. That in itself was a big deal, saving a run, but then he planted and threw to Matt Carpenter at first to get the out and end the game, though it took a while since the Pirates challenged the play. While fireworks shot off overhead, the Cardinals milled about the field, waiting for the OK from the umpires to begin the celebration, which they did.
"I think we need to appreciate the shortstop play tonight," manager Mike Shildt said after the game. "That was pretty special. We talk about being consistent, and we’ve had some really consistent defense in the middle of the field.