Pirates Secure Series Win Over Cardinals

What we said beforehand

The upcoming matchup between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the St. Louis Cardinals is set to take place at PNC Park on September 24, 2026, with the series currently tied 1-1. The Pirates hold a home record of 80-78, while the Cardinals come in with a 77-81 away record. This game is significant as both teams look to gain an advantage in their ongoing rivalry, which has seen the Pirates win 11 of the last 24 meetings against the Cardinals in recent seasons.

In their last five games, the Pirates have had a strong showing, winning four out of five, including a recent victory against the Cardinals on September 22, where they won 2-0. However, they faced a setback in their most recent game on September 23, losing 5-1 to the same opponent. Over the last ten games at home, the Pirates have a record of 6-4, averaging 4.0 runs scored and allowing 3.9 runs per game, though they are currently on a one-game losing streak.

Conversely, the Cardinals have shown mixed form, winning three of their last five games, including a victory against the Pirates in their latest encounter on September 23. Their recent performance has given them a 5-5 record over their last ten games, with an average of 3.2 runs scored and 3.8 runs allowed. They are currently on a one-game winning streak, which could provide them with momentum heading into this matchup.

At home, the Pirates have fared well with a 5-3 record over their last ten games, while the Cardinals have struggled on the road, holding a 1-2 record in their last three away games. This could play a crucial role in the outcome of the game as the Pirates look to capitalize on their home advantage.

In terms of injuries, the Pirates will be missing several key players, including Esmerlyn Valdez (10-Day IL, hamstring), Isaac Mattson (15-Day IL, hip), Mitch Keller (60-Day IL, shoulder), Braxton Ashcraft (15-Day IL, arm), and Endy Rodriguez (60-Day IL, hip). The Cardinals also face injury challenges with Everson Pereira (10-Day IL, hand), Blaze Jordan (10-Day IL, ankle), Joshua Baez (10-Day IL, oblique), Hunter Dobbins (15-Day IL, elbow), and Max Rajcic (60-Day IL, elbow) unavailable for the game.

The betting odds provided by DraftKings indicate that the Pirates are favored with a moneyline of -167, while the Cardinals sit at +138. The spread is set at -1.5 for the Pirates, with a total of 7.0 runs for the game, where the over is priced at -105 and the under at -115.

Weather conditions for the game are expected to be mild, with a temperature of 62°F and wind gusts reaching up to 14 mph. There is no precipitation expected, which should allow for a clear game without weather interruptions.

Viewers should watch for the performance of key players, particularly Nick Gonzales for the Pirates, who leads the team with a batting average of .301, and Brandon Lowe, who has hit 34 home runs and driven in 94 runs. For the Cardinals, Alec Burleson is a player to keep an eye on, boasting a .279 batting average and 112 RBIs, while Jordan Walker has contributed 28 home runs this season. How these players perform could significantly impact the game's outcome.