Liriano strikes out 10 to lead Pirates to Opening Day win

The Pittsburgh Pirates got the 2016 MLB season off on the right foot with a 4-1 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals. Opening Day starter Francisco Liriano lead the way by tying the franchise record for Opening Day strikeouts (10) and adding an RBI in the second inning.

Liriano went six innings, allowing three hits and walked five. David Freese, who won the 2011 World Series MVP with the Cards, added two hits in his Pirates debut. Francisco Cervelli and Gregory Polanco also had two hits each.

Cards’ Opening Day starter Adam Wainwright, in his first regular season start since last April, gave up three runs in six innings, striking out three and giving three free passes.

The Cards finally broke through in the 9th, with Matt Carpenter hitting an RBI single. However, Matt Adams flew out to end the game.

Left Fielder Tommy Pham left the game in the second inning with left oblique tightness. Carpenter, who had been playing first base, moved back to left and Adams replaced Carpenter at first.

These two teams will play again on Tuesday when Michael Wacha takes the mound for St. Louis against Jon Niese, who’s making his Pirates debut.

Photo Credit: Gene J. Puskar/AP