Jared Jones pitched seven scoreless innings with only one hit allowed as the Pittsburgh Pirates shut out the St. Louis Cardinals 2-0 at PNC Park on Tuesday night.
The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 2-0 on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at PNC Park. The victory extended Pittsburgh’s winning streak to five games and moved them within striking distance of their first winning season in eight years, while handing the Cardinals another loss in their ongoing struggles against divisional rivals.
Pittsburgh Pirates Performance
Pittsburgh (80-77) secured the win through efficient pitching and timely scoring, solidifying their hold on third place in the NL Central. The game was defined by the performance of starting pitcher Jared Jones, who delivered a masterclass in control and command. Jones allowed just one hit over seven innings, effectively neutralizing the Cardinals’ lineup for the majority of the contest. His ability to keep the ball in the park and limit baserunners kept the Pirates’ offense under minimal pressure, allowing them to manage the game conservatively.
The offensive output for Pittsburgh was sparse but critical. The team relied on small-ball tactics and key hits to generate the two runs necessary for the victory. This result marks the fifth consecutive win for the Pirates, a surge that has revitalized their playoff hopes and demonstrated resilience despite a challenging roster composition. The defense behind Jones played a supportive role, ensuring that the single hit allowed did not translate into additional damage. The win brings the Pirates closer to .500, a significant psychological and statistical milestone for a franchise looking to rebuild its identity in the National League Central.
St. Louis Cardinals Performance
St. Louis (76-81) found themselves unable to break through Pittsburgh’s pitching staff, resulting in a 2-0 defeat that worsened their standing in the NL Central race. The Cardinals entered the game looking to snap a road skid and salvage pride in the final weeks of the regular season. However, they were stifled early and often, failing to replicate the late-inning explosion they showed in their previous game against Washington. The inability to generate consistent offense against Jones highlighted the depth issues plaguing the St. Louis lineup.
Injuries have significantly impacted the Cardinals’ roster, with nine players currently on the injured list, including key arms like Mitch Keller and Braxton Ashcraft, as well as position players such as Endy Rodriguez and Isaac Mattson. This depletion of talent made it difficult for St. Louis to find rhythm against a disciplined pitcher like Jones. The team had shown flashes of power recently, with Iván Herrera and Leo Bernal hitting home runs in an earlier series, but those sparks were absent on Tuesday. The shutout loss underscores the challenges St. Louis faces in maintaining competitiveness when their primary contributors are sidelined or when facing elite pitching performances.
Turning Point of the Game
The decisive factor in the 2-0 outcome was Jared Jones’s efficiency through six innings, during which he maintained a perfect game status before allowing a single hit. By limiting the Cardinals to just one hit over seven innings, Jones preserved the lead and forced the Pirates to rely on their bullpen for the final two innings—a task handled with relative ease given the narrow margin. For St. Louis, the failure to scratch a run across during this stretch proved fatal. Unlike their recent comeback against Washington, where they scored three runs in the eighth inning, the Cardinals could not muster any momentum against Jones. This inability to capitalize on opportunities turned what could have been a close game into a definitive shutout, shifting the momentum firmly in Pittsburgh’s favor.
What It Means Next
The implications of this game extend to the final stretch of the 2026 MLB regular season. For Pittsburgh, the win keeps them in contention for a playoff spot, potentially setting up a favorable finish if they can maintain this momentum. The focus now shifts to their next game against the Cardinals on September 23, where they aim to sweep the series and further solidify their position in the standings. Conversely, the Cardinals face a critical juncture. Sitting fourth in the NL Central, every loss moves them further away from postseason relevance. They must address their offensive stagnation and manage their injury-riddled roster to keep any slim hopes alive. The upcoming matchup will be a test of whether St. Louis can respond to this setback or if the slide will continue.
- Jared Jones allowed only one hit in seven innings, leading the Pirates to their fifth straight win.
- The Cardinals remain winless in this specific matchup, highlighting ongoing offensive struggles against Pittsburgh’s pitching.
- Pittsburgh inches closer to a winning season, improving their record to 80-77.
- St. Louis continues to battle a nine-player injury list, impacting their roster depth and performance.
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