The Cardinals (56-30) increased their NL Central lead to 5 1/2 games over Pittsburgh (50-35) with a 4-1 victory Thursday behind 7 1-3 scoreless innings from Carlos Martinez at PNC Park.
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Martinez (10-3) improved to 7-1 with a 1.20 ERA in his last 10 starts after he allowed four hits with five strikeouts and three walks.
The 23-year-old right-hander also made a strong pitch to be selected to his first All-Star Game, which will be played Tuesday at Great American Ball Park.
Moustakas, who led AL vote-getters at third base for much of the balloting before a late surge by Josh Donaldson, benefited from the fervent support of a Royals fan base that elected four starters to the All-Star Game.
Locke was pulled for a pinch hitter in the bottom of the fifth.
The Cardinals got to Pirates’ starter Jeff Locke in the top of the fifth.
Perhaps the two teams were expected to be in this position as the All-Star game nears. Martinez will join five St. Louis teammates: Jhonny Peralta, Matt Holliday, Yadier Molina, Trevor Rosenthal and Michael Wacha. The 6-foot, 185-pound southpaw gave up four runs, one of which was earned, on five hits. That extended his career-best hitting streak to 16 games.
While injuries have plagued the two teams, players continue to step up.
Ian Kinsler hit his 32nd career leadoff homer, a double, and three RBIs to back David Price’s eight innings in his final start before going to the All-Star Game, as Detroit beat Minnesota 4-2.
“It’s important the first game of any series”, Molina said.
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Some will question whether Martinez’s and Moustakas’ numbers were deserving of the honor, but that will be the furthest thing from the minds of Cardinals and Royals fans when they tune into the game July 14. Cardinals RHP Lance Lynn (6-4, 2.53 ERA) faces Pirates RHP Gerrit Cole (12-3, 2.28 ERA) on Friday night in the second game of the series. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and you can check out all the action on ROOT Sports Pittsburgh.
