This awesome fist salute from Shane Robinson, Adam Wainwright and Jake Westbrook came after Kyle Lohse knocked an hit an RBI single to tie the game at 2. (Screen capture)

The Cardinals got off to a good start in their series with the Pirates with a 4-3 win Monday night!

So many good things from this game! Let’s discuss!

* Kyle Lohse. Lohse got his 14th win of the season with a five-inning performance. He gave up five hits and two earned runs, but also struck out three. The game went into a rain delay as Pittsburgh had a storm move through the area. Once the delay was over, the Cardinals went ahead brought in Lance Lynn after the delay. Lohse told reporters later he didn’t want to be “selfish” just to get a quality start when the bullpen could get in the game and do their job.

K-Lo also helped himself out in the fifth inning. Kyle hit a ground ball single to center fielder Andrew McCutchen, allowing Skip Schumaker to score. He got a fist salute from teammates Shane Robinson, Adam Wainwright — who had quite the amazing look on his face — and Jake Westbrook, who was equally as intense as Waino. “Awesome” probably is an accurate enough description of the salute these guys used to cheer on their teammate.

* Matt Holliday. Matty hit his 24th home run of the season on a long fly to right field in the sixth inning. It was clutch. It was BAMFy. Way to go, Matty Ho!

* Jason Motte. He made fans a little nervous, but The Closer pitched some filthy heat and earned his 31st save of the season.

* The Cardinals … are now 71-57. They are six games behind the NL Central leading Cincinnati Reds, who defeated the Diamondbacks 3-2. And the Atlanta Braves have a record of 73-56 in the first Wild Card position.

Jake Westbrook takes the mound for the Cardinals tonight at PNC Park at 6:05 p.m. Central against James McDonald and the Pirates.

Go Cardinals!

Miranda Remaklus is lead St. Louis Cardinals contributor to Aaron Miles’ Fastball. Follow her on Twitter, @missmiranda.