Walker powers Pirates over Cards
PITTSBURGH – Neil Walker had three hits, including a go-ahead three-run home run in the seventh inning, and drove in four runs to help the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the St. Louis Cardinals, 6-4, Friday night.
Walker’s seventh homer came off Carlos Martinez (0-2) and rallied the Pirates from a 4-3 deficit for their third straight victory. Pittsburgh beat St. Louis for the 10th time in 13 games at home.
St. Louis had gone ahead in the top of the seventh on Jhonny Peralta’s solo home run, his eighth. Allen Craig’s three-run home run, his fourth, accounted for the Cardinals’ other runs.
Justin Wilson (1-0) struck out the only batter he faced, Matt Adams, to end the top of the seventh. Mark Melancon pitched a scoreless ninth for his third save.
Pirates recall player: The Pirates recalled infielder Brent Morel from Triple-A Indianapolis Friday.
Claimed off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays in February, Morel hit .215 with one home run in 25 games for Indianapolis. The 27-year-old spent part of the last four seasons with the Chicago White Sox, hitting .229 with 13 homers in 194 games.
The Pirates had an open roster spot after optioning right-hander Phil Irwin to Indianapolis on Thursday.