ST. LOUIS — Felipe Vazquez is in search of a solution. The Pirates' closer blew another save Thursday night — his fourth in his past five chances — after entering in the ninth inning with a three-run lead.
Vazquez allowed five runs on 18 pitches and did not record an out. His final pitch, a four-seam fastball over the middle of the plate, resulted in a three-run, walk-off homer by Yairo Muñoz in a 10-8 loss to the Cardinals at Busch Stadium.
Clint Hurdle told reporters Friday the Pirates have no plans to remove Vazquez from the closer role. Instead, they're trying to help Vazquez return to form. Ray Searage, the Pirates' pitching coach, said after the loss that Vazquez's delivery was to blame for the blown save.
Vazquez, on the other hand, said he's unsure what has led to his struggles.
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