ST. LOUIS (KDKA) – Runs came in bunches early, but it was the St. Louis Cardinals who came out on top Sunday afternoon.

Allen Craig’s sacrifice fly in the fourth inning broke a 4-4 tie and put the Cardinals ahead for good during a 7-4 win.

Ryan Theriot drove in two runs and St. Louis’ bullpen shut the Pirates down over the final four innings. Four relief pitchers combined to allow only two hits to the Pirates.

Jeff Karstens was knocked out of the game in the fourth inning after allowing five runs on nine hits in 3 2/3 innings. He also walked two and struck out one.

Andrew McCutchen’s RBI single in the first inning got the Pirates an early 1-0 lead. However, the Cardinals answered with three runs of their own in their half of the inning.

In the second inning, the Pirates reclaimed the lead.

Ronny Cedeno’s RBI single cut the lead to 3-2 and a groundout by Karstens tied it up.

Jose Tabata followed with a groundout, which allowed Michael McKenry to score to put the Pirates up 4-3.

The Pirates will now head to Houston to open up a three-game series with the Astros.

Ross Ohlendorf (0-1, 7.24 ERA) is scheduled to take on Wandy Rodriguez (9-9, 3.41 ERA) Monday at 8:05 p.m.

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