Cardinals starting pitcher Joe Kelly pitched more than well enough to win Saturday against the Braves, but had to settle for a no-decision in a 2-0 loss.
Kelly, making his first start since July 12, scattered seven hits and three walks over six-plus innings of work. He exited with the game stuck in a scoreless tie, after intentionally walking Jason Heyward to load the bases. Fortunately, reliever Seth Maness was able to preserve Kelly's line with a quick double-play.
Kelly threw a season-high 86 pitches in the outing, after topping out at 79 in his previous four outings. He threw 57 of those pitches for strikes, while setting down three batters via strikeout.
Kelly is slated to make his next start Thursday against the Pirates. He is 1-3 with a 3.44 ERA in 55 innings this season.