The lineup produced 11 hits as the Pirates rallied with four runs in the ninth inning to beat the Cardinals 6-4 in St. Louis.

Russell said he wanted to put the right-handed-hitting LaRoche between his brother, first baseman Andy LaRoche, who hits fifth, and Moss, as both are left-handed hitters.

The Pirates now have a balanced batting order throughout with left fielder Nyjer Morgan (left) leading off and followed by second baseman Freddy Sanchez (right), center fielder Nate McLouth (left), catcher Ryan Doumit (switch hitter), Adam LaRoche (left), Andy LaRoche (right), Moss (left) and shortstop Jack Wilson (right).

"The opposition is going to have to think twice before they make moves with their bullpen, and we might force them to use more than one pitcher in an inning," Russell said.

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, the king of mid-inning pitching changes, made three Monday.

The Pirates still seem susceptible to left-handed pitching, although that won't be a factor early as they are scheduled to face all right-handed starters during a seven-game road trip to open the season that also includes three games in Cincinnati.

PIRATES 6, CARDINALS 4: Shortstop Jack Wilson's three-run double capped a four-run ninth against rookie closer Jason Motte as the Pirates won on opening day for a third consecutive season. Adam LaRoche's RBI single drew the Pirates within one run, then Eric Hinske doubled and Brandon Moss was hit by a pitch to load the bases for Wilson.

Nyjer Morgan had three hits for the Pirates, while John Grabow got the last two outs in the eighth inning for the win. Matt Capps worked a scoreless ninth for the save.