Pittsburgh Pirates vs St. Louis Cardinals

Overview

The Pittsburgh Pirates are set to host the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 2:40 PM EEDT. This matchup is crucial for both teams as they vie for positioning in the National League Central division. The Pirates, currently third in the division, are aiming to extend their five-game winning streak, while the Cardinals, in fourth place, are looking to rebound from a recent loss and close the gap in the standings.

Season Snapshot

Pittsburgh Pirates

• Record: 80-77, 3rd in NL Central
• Recent Performance: The Pirates have been on a strong run, winning five consecutive games, including a 2-0 victory over the Cardinals on September 22. (statmuse.com)
• Key Players: Brandon Lowe leads the team with 33 home runs, while Paul Skenes has been a standout pitcher with 192 strikeouts. (statmuse.com)

St. Louis Cardinals

• Record: 76-81, 4th in NL Central
• Recent Performance: The Cardinals have struggled recently, losing four of their last five games, including a 2-0 defeat to the Pirates on September 22. (statmuse.com)
• Key Players: Jordan Walker leads the team with 28 home runs, and Alec Burleson has contributed 165 hits this season. (statmuse.com)

Recent Form

Pittsburgh Pirates

• Streak: 5-game winning streak
• Recent Results: Victories over the Kansas City Royals (4-3, 6-5, 8-5) and a 2-0 win against the Cardinals. (statmuse.com)
• Injuries: The Pirates have several players on the injured list, including Kirby Yates (shoulder), Esmerlyn Valdez (hamstring), and Braxton Ashcraft (arm). (pickswise.com)

St. Louis Cardinals

• Streak: 1-game losing streak
• Recent Results: Losses to the Washington Nationals (5-3, 8-5) and a 2-0 defeat to the Pirates. (statmuse.com)
• Injuries: Key injuries include Blaze Jordan (ankle), Everson Pereira (hand), and Joshua Baez (side). (pickswise.com)

Talking Points

• Pirates' Momentum: Can the Pirates maintain their winning streak and solidify their position in the division?
• Cardinals' Struggles: What adjustments are needed for the Cardinals to overcome their recent slump?
• Injury Impact: How will the absence of key players affect both teams' performances?
• Pitching Matchup: With both teams having strong pitchers, which lineup will capitalize on scoring opportunities?
• Playoff Implications: How critical is this game for each team's postseason aspirations?

Players to Watch

• Brandon Lowe (Pirates): Leading the team with 33 home runs, Lowe's power bat is a key asset.
• Paul Skenes (Pirates): With 192 strikeouts, Skenes has been a dominant force on the mound.
• Jordan Walker (Cardinals): His 28 home runs make him a significant threat in the Cardinals' lineup.
• Alec Burleson (Cardinals): With 165 hits, Burleson has been a consistent contributor offensively.
• Everson Pereira (Cardinals): Returning from a hand injury, Pereira's performance could be pivotal.

Key Matchups & Storylines

• Pitching Duel: The performance of Paul Skenes against the Cardinals' lineup will be crucial in determining the game's outcome.
• Offensive Execution: Both teams need to capitalize on scoring opportunities to secure a win.
• Injury Management: How effectively both teams manage and adapt to their injury situations will influence the game's dynamics.

Fun Facts

• The Pirates have a 42-36 record at home this season. (foxsports.com)
• The Cardinals have a 38-37 record on the road this season. (foxsports.com)
• The Pirates have a team slugging percentage of .406, ranking eighth in MLB. (foxsports.com)
• The Cardinals are 52-33 in games when they record eight or more hits. (foxsports.com)

Things to Chirp About

• "Can the Pirates keep their winning streak alive against the Cardinals today?"
• "Will the Cardinals bounce back from their recent losses?"
• "How will the absence of key players impact today's game?"
• "Which team's pitching staff will dominate the matchup?"

What to Expect

Expect a competitive game with both teams eager to secure a win. The Pirates will look to extend their winning streak, while the Cardinals aim to overcome their recent struggles. The performance of key players, particularly in pitching and offense, will be pivotal in determining the game's outcome.