The Cardinals' generally feel-good season is ending on a sour note. They lost a season-high fifth consecutive game Sunday as they capped a dismal weekend in Pittsburgh. There will be no wild card and maybe no first-division finish either.
Brad Thompson, a spot starter who has been successful more often than not, was touched up for some scratch hits in a three-run first but was hit harder in a three-run second. Figured on for five or six innings, Thompson was lifted after 3 2/3 by manager Tony La Russa. The Cardinals already had lost the season series to Pittsburgh for the first time since 1999, and Sunday's defeat left them with a final 7-10 mark against the Pirates this season.
Catcher Yadier Molina tried to play for the first time in four days after being sidelined with a bruised left thigh, but in a fourth-inning at-bat, he suffered a strained left quadriceps. He isn't likely to play for a few more days.
The Cardinals have lost four of their last five series and are only seven games over .500 for the first time since May 21.
PIRATES 7, CARDINALS 2: RHP Brad Thompson allowed eight hits and six runs in the first two innings, and the Cardinals never were in the game. CF Skip Schumaker knocked in one run with a single and 2B Aaron Miles the other with a groundout.
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