St. Louis Cardinals (77-81) snapped a five-game winning streak for the Pittsburgh Pirates with a 5-1 victory at PNC Park, tying the series 1-1 ahead of the finale.
The St. Louis Cardinals secured a crucial 5-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night, September 23, 2026, halting Pittsburgh’s five-game winning streak and tying the two-game set at 1-1. The win allows St. Louis (77-81) to remain in contention within the NL Central standings, while the Pirates (80-78) see their momentum checked by a resilient Cardinals squad that overcame significant roster constraints on both sides.
Cardinals Pitching and Offensive Breakthrough
The decisive factor in the game was the performance of starter Matthew Liberatore, who ended an 11-start winless stretch with a dominant outing. Liberatore effectively neutralized the Pirates’ lineup, providing the stability needed for St. Louis to control the tempo of the game. His ability to limit damage against a Pirates team that had been riding a hot streak was pivotal in securing the five-run margin.
Offensively, the Cardinals were led by Alec Burleson, who recorded his major league-best 112th RBI of the season. Burleson’s production was a critical component of the offensive output, contributing directly to the run support Liberatore required. The Cardinals managed to capitalize on scoring opportunities, translating their pitching advantage into a comfortable lead that they maintained through the later innings. This victory also serves as a morale boost for a club looking to end a road skid, proving they can perform under pressure in Pittsburgh.
Pirates’ Streak Snapped Amidst Roster Challenges
The Pittsburgh Pirates entered the contest with high expectations, having won five consecutive games. However, they were unable to generate sufficient offense against Liberatore, finishing with only one run. The loss stops their current streak and leaves them facing elimination or advancement scenarios in the final days of the regular season.
The Pirates have been managing significant roster depletion throughout the late-season push. Their injury report is extensive, featuring long-term absences for key contributors. Mitch Keller, Endy Rodriguez, and Max Rajcic are all on the 60-Day Injured List, while Isaac Mattson, Braxton Ashcraft, and Hunter Dobbins are sidelined on the 15-Day IL. Additionally, Everson Pereira, Blaze Jordan, Joshua Baez, and Esmerlyn Valdez are on the 10-Day IL. These constraints have tested the depth of the Pirates’ organization, forcing remaining players to carry heavier loads. Despite the energy from their recent winning streak, the inability to score more than one run highlighted the challenges posed by their depleted lineup and the quality of opposing pitching.
Key Turning Points
The game was defined by specific moments that shifted momentum decisively toward St. Louis:
- Liberatore’s Breakout: Ending his 11-start winless drought provided immediate psychological and tactical advantages for the Cardinals, keeping the Pirates off the board early.
- Burleson’s Milestone: Alec Burleson reaching his 112th RBI not only marked a personal milestone but also signaled the Cardinals’ ability to drive in runs when it mattered most.
- Defensive Stability: Both teams played error-free baseball in critical frames, but St. Louis’s defense held firm after establishing the lead, preventing any late Pirates rallies.
What It Means for the NL Central
This result has immediate implications for the playoff picture. With the series tied 1-1, tonight’s finale at PNC Park acts as a de facto tiebreaker match depending on how each team views its standing. For the Pirates, maintaining third place in the NL Central requires capitalizing on home-field advantage against a struggling opponent. For the Cardinals, taking control of this series would provide a vital boost to their own playoff hopes, despite their 77-81 record.
The final days of the 2026 regular season are critical, with races coming down to the wire. As noted in MLB Power Rankings Week 26, every game carries weight for teams vying for postseason positioning. The Cardinals must now look to extend their road success, while the Pirates must rebound quickly at home to keep their divisional lead intact. The stage is set for a high-stakes conclusion to this short series.
🎧 Listen daily to both teams
Beatline Sports covers every team, every day — new episodes each morning.