Carlos Martínez pitched eight shut out innings, Harrison Bader hit an early three-run homer and the St. Louis Cardinals blanked the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-0 on Sunday for a three-game sweep.
The Cardinals have won eight of their last 10 overall.
Bader’s home run came with one out in the second inning. Paul DeJong walked, Tyler O’Neill singled and, after Andrew Knizner‘s fielder’s choice, Bader drilled a 1-1 slider left up in the zone by rookie Wil Crowe (0-1).
It was Bader’s first home run of the season in his third game since returning from a forearm injury.
Martínez (2-4) was effective and efficient, allowing five hits and two walks. He struck out just three, but leaned on his cutter and got 10 groundouts and three double plays.
Alex Reyes retired the side in order in the ninth for his seventh save.
Cardinals RHP Jordan Hicks will undergo scans on his right forearm when the team returns to St. Louis on Monday, and Shildt said “there is optimism” that Hicks might be able to avoid the injured list.
Cardinals RHP Adam Wainwright (0-3, 4.08 ERA) is scheduled to start against the New York Mets to begin a seven-game homestand Monday. Wainwright was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Thursday due to contact tracing, but is eligible to be removed Monday. Shildt said Wainwright has repeatedly tested negative. 5:50 with the pregame Monday and the first pitch at 6:45 on KIRX.