Vogelsong sees bright future after strong finish

ST. LOUIS — An hour after the end of the Pirates’ disappointing season, not far removed from the final start of another trying year, Ryan Vogelsong stood in front of his locker and looked ahead.

Vogelsong spoke optimistically about the Pirates’ chances in 2017, believing the adversity they encountered all too often in 2016 will serve them well down the road. He would know, too, having pushed this season through another obstacle on his long and winding career path.

The 39-year-old veteran, brought in to provide experience and innings while the Bucs waited for their pitching prospects to arrive, made the final start of their season at Busch Stadium on Sunday, a 10-4 loss to the Cardinals. But the defeat wasn’t on Vogelsong, who pitched five solid innings, worked out of trouble and held the Cards to one run.

“It was a nice effort,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “I thought it was a very competitive performance.”

It was also an encouraging end to a disastrous stretch on the mound. Vogelsong entered with an 8.78 ERA over his previous six starts, a stark …

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