Jason Isringhausen was pitching in the eighth inning instead of the ninth, but the co-league-leader in blown saves still lost the Cardinals’ lead as the Pirates marched past him in an 11-5 victory.

Isringhausen started the inning by walking Doug Mientkiewicz and giving up a single to Ronny Paulino, and then lost his chance on a fielder’s choice by a throwing error on his attempt to catch Mientkiewicz at third off a bunt from shortstop Chris Gómez. Mientkiewicz scored on the error, and then pinch hitter Jason Bay hit a three-run home run off Isringhausen to put Pittsburgh up 8-5. Izzy could only get one groundout before walking Nate McLouth and being taken out of the game. The outing brought Isringhausen’s ERA to 8.00 and his WHIP to 1.78, and makes it seem he won’t be returning to the closer’s role any time soon.

Speaking of McLouth, he was one-for-three in the game with a solo home run that brought his season totals to .304 with 11 HR and 33 RBI. He’s hit four of those home runs in his last ten games.