Cardinals closer Bud Norris was flawless in the ninth inning Wednesday afternoon at Busch Stadium. He set down the Kansas City Royals in order and struck out two.
The 10th inning couldn’t have been more different. Norris loaded the bases, then allowed a two-run single to catcher Drew Butera, who is hitting .176. It proved to be the difference as the last-place Royals beat the Cardinals 5-2 in 10 innings, handing Mike Matheny’s squad a series loss.
Though Tommy Pham has gone hitless the past three games, he made an impact defensively. The center fielder robbed Jorge Soler of an extra-base hit in the seventh inning, covering 87 feet to make a leaping grab.