PITTSBURGH — During the 60-minute rain delay that interrupted his start and effectively submerged the Cardinals’ offense, Jordan Montgomery did all he could in and around the clubhouse to maintain his adrenaline so that he did not contribute to the team’s sinkhole.
“Can’t just throw two innings and hand it off to the bullpen,” he said.
Montgomery paced.
Montgomery pedaled a stationary bike.
Montgomery pitched weighted balls.
Montgomery simulated an inning.
Montgomery waited.
And though he returned to the mound, his waiting continues.
The 1-0 lead the Cardinals took into the hourlong storm delay at PNC Park did not weather much longer as the host Pirates scored four runs, three of them unearned, and held firm for a 4-3 victory Saturday evening.