MLB wrap: Record-tying second inning helps Cardinals keep pace with Cubs

Thomas Lott

MLB wrap: Record-tying second inning helps Cardinals keep pace with Cubs image

The Cardinals have turned the corner.

St. Louis dropped the Pirates 14-8 on Wednesday to win its fourth game in a row and seven of its last eight. All of that is great, but it's not nearly as impressive as what the team did in the second inning.

During that frame, the Cardinals scored nine runs while collecting eight extra-base hits (three home runs, five doubles) tying an MLB record.

Only five teams have ever tallied eight extra-base hits in a single frame, according to ESPN Stats and Info.

In that inning, Paul Goldschmidt hit a home run in his third straight game, which ties a career high, and Paul DeJong hit his first of three homers in the game.

DeJong is the first everyday shortstop in Cardinals history to hit three home runs in a game. He is also the youngest St. Louis player to do it since Albert Pujols in 2004. He finished the night 4 for 4 with the three home runs, a double and five RBIs.

St. Louis really struggled in the month of May but now sits just 1/2-game back of the Cubs for first in the National League Central. The Pirates are in last in the division but just 8 1/2 games back of the Cubs.

Studs of the Night

Indians starter Shane Bieber threw a shutout while allowing just one hit and one walk with 10 strikeouts in Cleveland's 4-0 win over the Blue Jays.

In that same game, Toronto starter Marcus Stroman gave up just one run on five hits and a walk in what might have been his last start for the Blue Jays.

Justin Verlander struck out 11 in six innings while allowing just one unearned run in the Astros' 4-2 win over the Athletics.

Dud of the Night

Nicholas Castellanos went 0 for 4 with three strikeouts in the Tigers' 4-0 loss to the Phillies.

Highlight

Braves third baseman Josh Donaldson made an impressive throw from his knees in Atlanta's 2-0 loss to the Royals.

What's Next

Rangers (51-51) at Athletics (58-45), 10:07 p.m. ET — Don't let the Athletics' series loss to the Astros fool you. This is a team that can compete for the American League pennant with a couple of key additions at the trade deadline. The Rangers have fallen on hard times of late but they are still very competitive. However, this next week is key for Texas as, if it continues to struggle, selling might be inevitable.

 

Thomas Lott