Pineiro Impressive in WIn

Cardinal starter Joel Pineiro continues to improve with each outing.  He was activated from the 15-day disabled list to make his first start on April 13th against the Giants, but gave up 6 runs in 3.2 innings.  In his second start, also against San Francisco, he lasted 6.1, and allowed just 3 runs. Tonight was his third appearance, and easily his best so far.  Pineiro held the Pirates to just 1 run on 4 hits, while striking out 6 in 7 innings, and improved his record to 1-2, and his ERA to 5.29.  He also made a dazzling kick save, and throw to first for what will certainly make Web Gems on ESPN.

Pittsburgh starter Tom Gorzelanny had trouble throwing strikes, walking seven batters in five innings, but didn't allow a hit until the fifth.  The Cardinals were able to string some hits together and won it 6-2.  Here's tonight's recap and box score.

Coming into tonight's game, the Cardinals were on a slide, dropping four of their last five.  The win salvaged both a series split and a .500 road trip.  They'll head back home for a nine game home stand, with three game series' against Houston, Cincinnati, and Chicago.  The Cardinals jumped back into second place in the Central, a game and a half behind the Cubs, with a 14-9 record.

Now for a few interesting stats:

• The Cardinals' 115 walks leads the Major Leagues.
• Albert Pujols is tied for the most walks with 22.
• Troy Glaus is tied for the most doubles with 11.
• Todd Wellemeyer is tied for the second most strikeouts with 31.
• Jason Isringhausen is tied for the second most saves with 8.
  

Speaking of Pujols' walks, check out Jason Stark's article, where all 30 managers were polled to determine the most feared hitters in baseball.  Find it here.

Tomorrow night is Braden Looper's turn on the mound.  He hopes to get back on track after an awful outing against the Giants last Sunday.  Hopefully he can set the tone for the upcoming series, and the Redbirds can pick up a few more wins to close out the first month.