The St. Louis Cardinals saved their season, tying their National League Division Series against the Pittsburgh Pirates two games a pieces, defeating the Pirates 2-1 Monday afternoon off the strength of Michael Wacha's arm, taking a no-hitter into the eighth inning.
Wacha, who went 4-1 with a 2.78 ERA in his rookie season in nine starts, took his no-hit bid into the eighth until giving up a homer to Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez. Wacha previously flirted with a no-hitter during his last start of the season against the Washington Nationals, taking that no-hitter into the ninth inning before third baseman Ryan Zimmerman broke it up with a two-run single.
"I kind of like it," said Wacha after the game. "It kind of gives me adrenaline. I kind of use it in my favor."
Manager Mike Matheny had confidence his 22-year-old pitcher could handle the pressure of the postseason and had no worries sending Wacha to the mound in a must-win situation.
"I don't know if you can put a kid in a tougher spot," said Matheny. "He came out and just made pitches all day long. He's just got a knack of getting up there and very business-like getting the job done."
The Pirates, who were hoping to close out the Cardinals and advance to their first National League Championship Series in 21 years, send Game 2 winner Gerrit Cole to the mound on Wednesday in their attempt to continue their unexpected playoff run.
"I guess that's why we play five," said Pirates centerfielder Andrew McCutchen. "We'll be ready for the fifth one."