Pirates pitcher Eric Bedard struck out 11 Cardinal batters in five innings of work as the Cardinals come up short with a ninth inning rally losing 6-3 Thursday afternoon at Busch Stadium.

Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook allowed four runs in 6.1 innings. David Freese had two hits, drove in his 24th run of the season. The Cardinals were unable to sweep the and haven’t swept a series the entire season, but have lost only one series.

Allen Craig doubled with two outs in the ninth, driving in the last Cardinals run, but Matt Carpenter struck out swinging as he represented the tying run.