The expectations were considerable surrounding Jack Flaherty’s first start at Busch Stadium since last Aug. 24, and first overall in the majors since Sept. 24 The reality was a mixed bag.
Flaherty gave up four runs in three innings Wednesday night and clearly was far from midseason form after healing from a long bout with shoulder bursitis. But the Pirates, because of some shoddy fielding by the Cardinals — including by Flaherty himself — shouldn’t have scored any of those runs in what ultimately was their 6-4 victory that didn't involve Flaherty in the decision.
The Pirates, salvaging one game of a four-game series, scored twice each in the first and second innings.