St. Louis Cardinals-Pittsburgh Pirates: Carpenter Too Much For Pirates

In what should have been Ross Ohlendorf's first win in a Pirate uniform turned about to be just another loss—one that was undeserving.

The Pirates' right hander held the Cardinals' offense to just one hit through six strong innings, looking as though he might get the win after an RBI by Nyjer Morgan on a throwing error by Cardinal first baseman Albert Pujols, the Buccos took a 1-0 lead that looked like would ultimately remain.

Cardinals' pitcher Chris Carpenter looked "unreal" as some would say, showing no signs of have taken the past two years off due to surgery.  

Carpenter, a former Cy-Young winner, looked back to previous form of 2006 as he led the Cardinals to a 2-1 victory at Busch Stadium for a 2-2 series split.

Carpenter threw a one-hitter against the productive Pirate offense through seven innings before surrendering the lone hit to Pirates' third baseman Ramon Vazquez.

Carpenter was able to contain the Pirates to the infield with the exception of outfielder Brandon Moss's lazy flyball out in the sixth inning.

After surrendering a single to outfielder Ryan Ludwick, Ohlendorf was unable to field a perfectly placed bunt by shortstop Khalil Greene.

Yadier Molina then hit a soft ground ball up the middle that looked to be a double play ball, but scooted right under the glove of a diving Freddy Sanchez, scoring Ludwick.

Left-hander Sean Burnett came in relief for Ohlendorf and immediately gave up a single to pinch-hitter Brian Barden, giving the Cardinals the lead for good.

Though Carpenter was done after seven, the Cardinals' bullpen relinquished the Pirate batters in the eighth and ninth innings to seal the win.

Pittsburgh moves to Cincinnati on Friday for a three-game series with the Reds.

Jeff Karstens will be the Friday starter Johnny Cueto.