PITTSBURGH _ It took some assistance from the Pittsburgh Pirates to prime the lineup, but once the Cardinals got that boost they found enough offense to rally and complete a doubleheader sweep.
The Pirates walked two and committed a catcher's interference _ what is it with that this week? _ to load the bases in the sixth inning and spark what became a six-run rally for the Cardinals. That sent the Cardinals to a 7-2 victory in Game 2 of their doubleheader at PNC Park on Friday.
Dylan Carlson punctuated it with a three-run homer.
All six runs were unearned in the inning.
The Cardinals won Game 1, 6-5.
On short rest, starter Daniel Ponce de Leon was exceptional through five innings. He allowed two runs and struck out nine. In two starts this week already, Ponce de Leon has 18 strikeouts and four runs allowed in 11 innings.
