ST. LOUIS — Two nights ago at PNC Park, Ji Hwan Bae was asked about something his manager said — how he seemed to like, and really thrive, under the bright lights. After flashing one of his signature smiles, the 23-year-old South Korean agreed with what Derek Shelton said. Bae also explained that those weighty moments help him concentrate.
With the Pirates shifting back into division play after nine games against the American League, Bae was clearly dialed-in Thursday against the NL Central favorite St. Louis Cardinals, making a pair of spectacular catches while also singling and scoring a run during Pittsburgh’s 5-0 victory at Busch Stadium.
The victory against the Cardinals comes as an important tone-setter, a boost helping to propel this terrific start. And it came against a team that has had the Pirates’ number; since 2013, the Cardinals are 107-74 against Pittsburgh, which equates to an MLB-best .591 winning percentage.
