Pirates Defeated Cardinals for Fifth Straight Win
Pittsburgh secured a 2-0 victory behind a dominant seven-inning performance from pitcher Jared Jones.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Baseball
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The Pittsburgh Pirates pushed their winning streak to five games with a shutout victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night. The win improved Pittsburgh to a season record of 80-77.
Why it matters
The victory highlights the strong late-season form of Pittsburgh's pitching staff as the team looks to close the year on a positive note. Conversely, the loss puts the Cardinals at risk of suffering consecutive losing seasons.
Jared Jones allowed only one hit and recorded nine strikeouts across seven innings of work. Additionally, Gregory Soto secured his 16th save of the season.
The players
Jared Jones
He is a starting pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates who has been instrumental in the teams recent late-season success.
Gregory Soto
He serves as a relief pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates and collected his 16th save in the victory.
Bryan Reynolds
He is a standout outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates who reached the milestone of 40 doubles this season.
Ryan O'Hearn
He is a utility player who delivered the game-winning RBI-single during the sixth inning.
Oneil Cruz
He is an infielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates who scored the first run of the game.
The details
Ryan O'Hearn provided the critical offensive spark with an RBI-single in the sixth inning that allowed Oneil Cruz to score. Bryan Reynolds also contributed to the effort by hitting his 40th double of the season.
Timeline
2018 marked the last season the Pirates finished with a winning record.
Late May 2026 was when Jared Jones returned from Tommy John surgery.
September 2026 saw Jared Jones post a 3-0 record with a 1.13 ERA.
Tuesday night was when the Pirates defeated the Cardinals 2-0.
Wednesday is when the series between the two teams continues.
Season Trajectory
This winning streak alters the narrative of the Pirates season, moving the franchise closer to its first winning record since 2018. The surge provides momentum for the club while simultaneously intensifying the pressure on St. Louis to avoid a second consecutive losing campaign.
The result leaves the Pirates at 80-77, keeping their hopes alive for a positive year-end standing. For fantasy managers, Bryan Reynolds continues to provide consistent value with his 40th double adding to his season total.
The takeaway
Jared Jones has become a reliable anchor for the pitching rotation following his mid-season return. Fans should look for sustained consistency from the youth core as the team looks toward next season.
Further reading
For more on the current standing of the team, visit the Baseball section.
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