With their lineup depleted by key injuries, the Cardinals fashioned what they could from hits, hit batters, assists via error or wild pitch to make the ninth inning compelling enough that the New York Yankees had to find a solution for their late-inning questions.

They had someone familiar with closing games at Busch Stadium.

Former Pirates closer David Bednar – whose six, now seven, saves at Busch are the second-most for any ballpark in his career – pitched a flawless ninth as the Yankees inched by the Cardinals, 4-3, on Friday night. The Cardinals’ search for steady offense with essential batters missing met the Yankees’ tumultuous quest to close games more consistently, and the visitors were victorious.

Chisholm Jr.’s two-run homer in the first inning and four-run lead the Yankees ha

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