Volquez keeps pledge to fill role as rotation ace

ST. LOUIS -- Edinson Volquez is good at pitching. He is even better at keeping a promise.

When boyhood pal and fellow Pirates starter Francisco Liriano landed on the disabled list with a strained left oblique on June 11, Volquez pledged to assume the leadership role of the 2013 ace.

From then through Thursday's complete-game six-hitter in the Pirates' 9-1 win over the Cardinals at Busch Stadium, Volquez is 5-1 with an ERA of 2.51. In winning four consecutive starts for the first time in his 10-year career, Volquez has allowed three earned runs in 30 innings (0.90 ERA).

"He's done a real good job. I'm very happy to see it," said Liriano, who will make his return on Sunday.

"Tell you the truth. I'm glad he's coming back. He's the true ace," said Volquez.