PITTSBURGH • Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong’s throwing error on an almost certain inning-ending double play ball enabled the Pittsburgh Pirates to break a tie and ease into a 3-2 lead in the seventh inning Friday night at PNC Park.
Lefthanded rookie Ryan Sherriff struck out the first hitter, lefthanded-hitting Gregory Polanco, that he faced in the inning but righthanded batters Elias Diaz and Jordy Mercer doubled and singled, respectively, placing runners at first and third.
Righthander Matt Bowman relieved and the Pirates pinch hit for a pinch hitter, sending dangerous John Jaso to bat. Jaso grounded sharply to DeJong, who probably underhanded his toss too soon to second baseman Kolten Wong, who had a long way to go to the bag.