Pirates Opened Homestand Against St. Louis
Pittsburgh begins its final three-game set against the Cardinals while holding a three-game lead in the division.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Baseball
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The Pittsburgh Pirates have kicked off their final homestand of the season against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Pirates currently maintain a three-game advantage over the Cardinals in the NL Central standings.
Why it matters
Securing these final victories is essential for the Pittsburgh Pirates as they aim to solidify a third-place finish in the NL Central division. With only six games remaining in the regular season, the outcome of this series will likely determine the final divisional ranking.
The Pirates enter the series with 79 wins and 77 losses, riding a streak of four consecutive victories. Conversely, the Cardinals have struggled recently, dropping four of their last five games.
The players
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a professional baseball team competing in the National League Central division.
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball franchise and divisional rival to the Pirates.
Ryan O'Hearn
Ryan O'Hearn is an MLB player who recently received the Play of the Week award for a standout defensive performance.
The details
Pittsburgh is hosting the final three-game stretch at home with six games left in the 2026 season. The team looks to maintain its momentum after winning four straight games while capitalizing on the Cardinals' recent slide.
Timeline
September 19, 2026: Ryan O'Hearn performed his award-winning defensive play.
September 22, 2026: The Pittsburgh Pirates began their final homestand against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Season Trajectory
This series serves as a crucial barometer for the Pirates' late-season performance as they fight to secure their standing in the NL Central. The outcome will finalize their divisional positioning before the regular season concludes.
The Pirates currently lead the Cardinals by three games in the NL Central with only six total games left to play. Winning this series would effectively cement Pittsburgh's grip on third place in the division standings.
The takeaway
The Pirates are looking to finish their season on a high note by leaning into their recent winning streak. Fans can watch to see if the team can maintain this performance through the final six games of the year.
Further reading
For more on the current divisional race, visit the Baseball section.
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