PIrates implode in ninth, drop to Cardinals 7-5

Not even a Cruz missile could help.The Pirates looked like they were on cruise control early in this one. Rodolfo Castro and Jack Suwinski homered, Cardinals starter Jack Flaherty was walking guys like he was getting paid bonuses for them, and there were hits too.

But, as has happened all season, the Pirates couldn’t hold the three-run lead, and the Cardinals, getting help from all up and down their battery, took the victory, 7-5.

JT Brubaker seemed in control, despite walking lead-off batter (and former Pirate) Corey Dickerson to begin the game. He was getting groundouts and double plays. Of course, it helped that Rodolfo Castro solo-homered in the bottom of the first. In the second,…