5/28 Wells rough start

Randy Wells was pulled Friday after failing to retire a single batter. He gave up six straight hits to the Cardinals, including a two-run single by Albert Pujols. St. Louis scored five runs in the first. On May 6, the Pirates also scored five runs in the first against Wells. He lasted two innings in that game.

“You don’t want a guy like Pujols to beat you,” Lou Piniella said before the game. “He’s the one guy in that lineup if you can stay away from that situation, you’re better off, over the short term or long term for sure.”

It’s his shortest start ever. Wells had trouble from the beginning, giving up a single to Felipe Lopez, a double to Ryan Ludwick, a two-run single to Pujols, a single to Matt Holliday, a RBI single to Colby Rasmus, and a two-run double to Yadier Molina. James Russell came in and retired the next three. Wells threw 16 pitches, 11 for strikes.

– Carrie Muskat