St. Louis, MO — Baseball is back. Tyler O’Neil went 2-3 with a home run and five RBIs as the St. Louis Cardinals (1-0) beat the Pittsburgh Pirates (0-1) 9-0 on opening day.
O’Neil picked up where he left off last season as he lead the Cardinals to victory in the opener, he would drive in his first run with a single in the first inning. The Cardinals’ outfielder would then hit a three-run homer in the second inning to give the Cardinals a 4-0 early advantage. O’Neil would drive in a fifth run in the eighth inning with a sacrifice fly.
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“He’s (O’Neil) one of the guys we’ve talked about that’s over the hump of trying to prove that he belongs here,” said Cardinals manager Oli Marmol. “He is very confident in his abilities and we’re looking forward to what he’s going to do behind Goldy.”
The Cardinals’ offense was on full display during the Thursday opener. They would accumulate nine runs on eight hits. O’Neil, Nolan Arenado, and Tommy Edman all hit long balls in the first game of the season.
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“We have a lot of depth, 1-9, everyone’s dangerous,” said Tyler O’Neil after the game. “Tommy (Edman) hit a bomb today in the 9 hole, there’s nowhere to go in this lineup.”
Pirates starter JT Brubaker, understandably, struggled against a solid St. Louis lineup. Brubaker pitched three innings, allowed four hits, four runs, walked three batters, and struck out two. Not an ideal start to the season.
On the other side, veteran pitcher Adam Wainwright shined. Waino pitched six innings, allowed five hits, zero runs or walks, and struck out six. A true vintage outing from the veteran on opening day.
“You know what you’re getting with Adam,” said O’Neil after the game. “He’s going to come out and give us a good chance to win every time.”
Wainwright did a great job of blanking the Pirates and the Cardinals offense did their job of providing support.
Last Dance
Many Cardinals fans had this game circled on the calendar. It will be the last opening day for Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina as Cardinals and could be Wainwrights.
Fans came out in droves to show their appreciation for the legends. They were vocal as they took in the festivities of opening day and hope it is just the beginning of a special season. Both Molina and Pujols received standing ovations when batting, Pujols appeared to be overwhelmed with emotions.
Unlike Molina, Pujols was making his return to St. Louis after being away for 11 years.
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It was an awesome scene in St. Louis on Thursday.
What’s Next?
Game two of the series will be played on Saturday. Mitch Keller is scheduled to take the mound for the Pirates. Mike Mikolas will make the start for the Cardinals.
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