ST. LOUIS--BUSCH STADIUM--The Pittsburgh Pirates made the St. Louis Cardinals perfectly aware they are contending for the N.L. Central title last night at Busch Stadium with a 9-3 beat down in front of 44.338.
J.A. Happ (8-7) controlled the Cards well for seven complete innings, giving up no runs while striking out eight. Happ earned the win.
Cardinals' starter, Carlos Martinez (13-7) suffered the loss.
The Pirates are now within five-and-a-half games of the Cardinals in first place with plenty of season left.
The teams square off again today in the second game of their three-game set.
