The Pirates shut the Cardinals out 8-0 last night. The Redbird hitters had no answer for Kris Benson. The Pittsburgh starter went seven innings allowing just one hit. Two Pirate relievers held St. Louis hitless the rest of the way. Meanwhile, Cardinal starter Luther Hackman gave up six runs off six hits, allowing three of the Bucs five homers on the evening. Hackman dropped to 3-4 on the season. He’s still winless as a starter in 2002. There was some good news for St. Louis. Third baseman Scott Rolen returned to the lineup after missing two games with shoulder trouble. St. Louis’ lead in the National League Central is still intact. Houston lost to the Cubs 14-12 to keep the Cardinal’s advantage over the Astros at five games. The Redbirds and Pirates wrap up the three game series this evening.
;
