The Pittsburgh Pirates (81-78) edged the St. Louis Cardinals (77-82) 2-1 in a tight contest that secured Pittsburgh’s first winning record in eight years.
The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1 on Thursday, September 24, at PNC Park. The victory secured the Pirates’ first non-losing season since 2018, finishing the regular season with an 81-78 record and third place in the NL Central. For the Cardinals, who dropped to 77-82 and fourth in the division, the loss concluded a series split against a resilient opponent as they turn their attention to a challenging matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Pittsburgh Pirates Performance
The Pirates’ path to victory was defined by timely hitting and a clutch moment in the late innings. Ronny Simon scored the decisive run on Spencer Horwitz’s eighth-inning sacrifice fly, breaking a tie and delivering the win. This single play encapsulated the team’s resilience throughout the season, marking a significant milestone for the franchise after years of sub-.500 campaigns.
Starting pitcher Paul Skenes took the mound for his final start of the regular season. While the box score did not provide granular inning-by-inning stats for this specific game, Skenes concluded his 2026 campaign with a 10-11 record and a 3.82 ERA. Despite the win-loss record, Skenes viewed the season as a learning experience rather than a failure, signaling a focus on development for the upcoming offseason. The team’s ability to close out the series against the Cardinals demonstrated the maturity that characterized their turnaround from previous years.
St. Louis Cardinals Performance
The Cardinals fought hard but ultimately fell short in a low-scoring affair. Entering the game as the fourth-place team in the NL Central, St. Louis aimed to build momentum heading into their final stretch. The loss followed a 5-1 victory earlier in the week where Matthew Liberatore snapped an 11-start winless streak and Alec Burleson recorded his major-league-best 112th RBI of the season. However, against Pittsburgh, the Cardinals could not generate enough offense to overcome the Pirates’ defense and timely scoring.
The Cardinals’ performance highlighted both their offensive struggles and the depth challenges they face due to injuries. Managing a significant number of players on the Injured List, the team navigated a difficult end to the season. Key absences included Mitch Keller, Endy Rodriguez, and Max Rajcic on the 60-Day IL, alongside Isaac Mattson, Braxton Ashcraft, and Hunter Dobbins on the 15-Day IL. Additional players like Esmerlyn Valdez, Everson Pereira, Blaze Jordan, and Joshua Baez were also sidelined on the 10-Day IL, impacting roster flexibility and lineup construction during the series.
Turning Point
The game remained tightly contested until the eighth inning, where the dynamic shifted decisively. With the score tied, Spencer Horwitz delivered a sacrifice fly to right field, allowing Ronny Simon to race home from second base. This run proved to be the difference-maker, as neither team could add to the scoreboard thereafter. The Pirates’ bullpen held the line, preserving the one-run advantage, while the Cardinals’ offense failed to mount a comeback in the final frames. This moment not only decided the game but also carried the weight of historical significance for Pittsburgh, ending an eight-year drought of losing seasons.
What It Means
The result has distinct implications for both franchises as the regular season concludes. For the Pirates, the 81-78 finish marks a cultural shift, proving the organization can compete consistently. They now look ahead to their next scheduled appearance, an away game against the Detroit Tigers on Friday, September 25, at 22:40 UTC, starting a three-game series in the AL Central.
For the Cardinals, the focus shifts immediately to Miller Park in Milwaukee. They face the Brewers (100-59), who sit firmly in first place in the NL Central. This matchup presents a critical test between a team fighting for relevance and a division powerhouse. The Cardinals must navigate their injury list and find offensive spark against a dominant pitching staff as they aim to establish identity before the postseason or off-season evaluation.
- Pittsburgh Pirates clinch first non-losing season since 2018 with 81-78 record.
- Ronny Simon scores on Spencer Horwitz’s eighth-inning sac fly to secure the 2-1 win.
- Paul Skenes finishes 2026 season with 10-11 record and 3.82 ERA.
- Cardinals drop to 77-82, fourth in NL Central, facing Brewers next.
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