Cardinals split series with Pirates in frustrating fashion

This weekend's series with the Pirates makes Cardinals' fans relieved they got by with a series split.

The Cardinals' rough start was capped off this weekend with a series split with the Pirates. The Pirates have greatly improved from years past, but this series had too many moments that frustrated Cardinals fans and made them wonder when the pain will end.

The Cardinals lost Thursday 5-0. They won on Friday 3-0. They lost Saturday 6-3 in extra innings. And, they won Sunday 5-4 in extra innings.

What happened in Cardinals loss Thursday?

Jordan Montgomery got his first season loss after 6.1 innings of work. He gave up six hits, two walks, and two earned runs. He was able to strike out five batters. Jordan Hicks only made it through one-third of an inning. He gave up two walks. Genesis Cabrera pitched one inning, giving up two home runs, but did strike out three batters. Chris Stratton pitched the final 1.1 innings, giving up a walk and an earned run. He did strike out one batter.

Sure, it's April but these first couple of weeks have been frustrating for the pitching staff. While it's been difficult for the pitching, it's been equally difficult for a seemingly high-powered lineup.

The Cardinals were able to put together six hits but got nothing from them. The team was 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position. They left ten runners on base. Ridiculous to see, even against a much improved Pirates team.

Jordan Walker's 12-game hitting streak ended Thursday as he went 0-for-4, striking out twice. Brendan Donovan had the better night of the lineup, going 2-for-5. The start of a long season can be frustrating as fans wait to see their teams dial it up for the long summer ahead. The Cardinals' expectations were extremely high, so it will be a relief for fans to see this team pick it up offensively.

Cardinals lose in extra innings on Saturday

Steven Matz pitched 5.2 innings giving three hits, five walks, and two earned runs, including a homer. He did strike out six batters. Chris Stratton pitched two innings giving up two hits and an earned run. He did strike out a batter. Ryan Helsley pitched 1.1 innings. He gave up two hits and a walk while striking out two.

The Cardinals did get some good defense...

Alec Burleson knocked a ground-rule double in the first inning, driving in Brendon Donovan. Nolan Gorman hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Burleson. In the seventh inning, Paul Goldschmidt walked with the bases loaded to score Lars Nootbaar. Unfortunately, the team was 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position on Saturday. They left nine runners on the basepath.

Jordan Hicks got the loss in another one-third of an inning. He gave up three hits, three runs, and two earned runs, including a home run to Andrew McCutcheon in the tenth inning. He did strike out a batter. Genesis Cabrera closed out the tenth.

Hicks being shifted to lower leverage situations

Before Sunday's game, the team management had a meeting with Hicks regarding how to get him back on track. Since Hicks has five years of service in the league, he would have to approve being sent on a minor league assignment.

Marmol told media Sunday morning that they are not in a "developmental league," but would have to find a way to use Hicks in low-leverage situations to "get him right." Hicks has a 12.71 ERA after 5.2 innings of work over seven games. He's allowed nine runs, eight of which were earned. He's given up 11 hits and eight walks while striking out six.

It seems the team is sacrificing having another arm that can be effective and not bruise Hicks' ego. The team would have to release him if they were to try to get him to the minor leagues. Releasing him could serve him up to another team that would like to take a gamble on Hicks; potential. The Cardinals obviously do not want to take that gamble.

The Cardinals seemingly have to hope for the best by putting Hicks in low-leverage situations to build his confidence.

Cardinals get exciting win in extras on Sunday

Sunday brought Nolan Arenado's 32nd birthday, and all he wanted was a little fun.

Miles Mikolas struggled but made it through 5.2 innings giving up seven hits, two walks, and three runs, two of which were earned. He did strike out four batters. Andre Pallante pitched an inning, giving up a hit and walking two. He did strike out a batter. Zack Thompson pitched 1.1 innings. Giovanny Gallegos pitched an inning, striking out one batter. Drew VerHagen earned the win, going one inning while giving up one run.

Willson Contreras singled to second base, deflected by first baseman Carols Santana. Paul Goldschmidt scored from second base. In the sixth inning, Lars Nootbaar tied the game at three with his first home run, scoring Contreras.

In the bottom of the tenth, Nolan Gorman hit a ground-rule double to right field, scoring Goldschmidt. With the game tied at four, Tommy Edman knocked a single to center field, scoring pinch-runner Tyler O'Neill. What an exciting victory!

The win marks the 100th victory for manager Oli Marmol.

The Cardinals will host the Diamondbacks in a three game set starting Monday.