After a brief weather-related delay, the Cardinals started Thursday's series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the same place they've often been when it comes to their meetings with the division opponent this season: behind.
The Pirates grabbed a 1-0 lead in the top of the second thanks to slow roller from Jordy Mercer. Second baseman Kolten Wong fielded it and fired to first, but Matt Joyce, who doubled to center to lead off the inning then advanced to third on a sacrifice fly, scored.
Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright has surrendered two hits and the run through his first two innings.