Cardinals pitcher Joe Kelly was smashed in his first outing off the disabled list Friday.
Kelly lasted just three innings, giving up six runs on seven hits. He walked two and struck out three during the outing. Kelly immediately found himself in trouble. He hit Carlos Gomez to open the game, and then proceeded to put the next two hitters on base. Aramis Ramirez managed to drive in the first run of the game with a sacrifice fly, and Khris Davis opened things up with a two-run double. After another walk, Kelly managed to get out of the inning.
The second inning offered no relief. Kelly allowed the first two runners to reach base, and then gave up a triple to Scooter Gennett, clearing the bases. With two outs, Ryan Braun also tripled, driving in the third run of the inning. Kelly actually pitched a scoreless third inning, but was pulled after he reached his pitch count. He threw 78 pitches during the outing.
The Cardinals managed to battle back, giving Kelly the no-decision. His next start will likely be scheduled shortly after the All-Star break.