Cardinals' JoJo Romero: Falters in 10th inning
Romero (4-2) allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and a walk while striking out two over 1.2 innings to take the loss Friday versus the Pirates.
Romero pitched around trouble in the ninth inning, but he wasn't so fortunate in the 10th. The Pirates were able to put up a three-run rally again him, and the Cardinals couldn't pull even in their half of the frame. With Ryan Helsley (forearm) back in action, it was a terrible time for Romero to have a poor outing. The lefty compiled a 2.51 ERA, 20:1 K:BB and 0.84 WHIP over 14.1 innings in August while part of a closer committee for the last-place Cardinals. He has a 3.68 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 42:10 K:BB through 36.2 innings while adding three saves, three holds and two blown saves. Despite the poor outing, Romero should continue to fill a high-leverage role for manager Oliver Marmol.
