Cards Get Big Homer from Alec Burleson, Survive Score in Ninth to Top Pirates

TL;DR

Alec Burleson ended his hitless streak with two infield singles, helping the Cardinals top the Pirates. His performance sparked a turnaround for the struggling first baseman.

Key points

Alec Burleson ended a 15 at-bat hitless streak
He recorded two infield singles in one game
Burleson celebrated his hits playfully
His performance helped the Cardinals win against the Pirates
The game featured a ninth-inning score from the Pirates

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Cards Get Big Homer from Alec Burleson, Survive Score in Ninth to Top Pirates

Mired in an ugly skid where he failed to get a hit in 15 at bats, Cardinals’ first baseman Alec Burleson ended his personal drought in the weirdest of ways back on Monday night.

Burleson squibbed a 55.7 mph spinner to third for an infield single and he playfully celebrated the moment by extending his arms outward like an umpire to pronounce himself safe. Just for good measure, Burleson came back in his next at bat on Monday with another 57.5 mph spinner that remarkably started found, but spun along the third base line for another hit.

Little did the Cardinals or Burleson know it at the time, but the two softly hit singles ignited something within the sweet-swinging lefty’s game and finally got him swinging a hot bat again.

A night after doubling and driving in three runs on Tuesday, Burleson crushed a 411-foot, opposite-field homer to lift the Cardinals to a 5-4 win over the Pirates.

The Cardinals survived a major scare in the ninth inning when Nick Gonzalez drilled a ball to the left field wall where outfielder Nathan Church robbed another potential homer. Church, one of the Cards’ biggest surprises so far, has already robbed two homers this season.

“That was kind of scary because I thought that ball was going to go out,” catcher Ivan Herrera said to Cardinals.TV after notching a double, an infield single and an RBI in the win. “It was such a good game and we were playing hard, but I thought that ball was gone. But we have Church out there who makes all those big plays easily.”

The victory, combined with Monday’s comeback thriller and Tuesday’s 11-7 win, allowed the Cardinals to secure a series win over their NL Central Division rivals. Also, the win allowed the Cards to respond to their four-game losing streak and a sweep at the hands of the Mariners with a three-game winning streak.

Q&A

How did Alec Burleson break his hitless streak?

Alec Burleson broke his hitless streak by recording two infield singles during a game against the Pirates.

What was the significance of Burleson's performance for the Cardinals?

Burleson's performance was significant as it marked the end of his personal hitting drought and contributed to the Cardinals' victory over the Pirates.

What were the details of the game between the Cardinals and Pirates?

The Cardinals faced the Pirates, with Burleson's hits helping the team survive a ninth-inning score to secure the win.

What impact did Burleson's infield singles have on his game?

Burleson's infield singles ignited a resurgence in his performance, indicating a potential turnaround in his batting.