- 13th-inning walk-off single by Joey Bart ends 2-1 marathon game
- Erick Fedde throws 6 hitless innings with 51 strikes
- Mitch Keller records 700th career strikeout in Pirates record time
- Defensive miscues cost Cardinals critical scoring opportunity
- Pittsburgh extends NL Central competitiveness ahead of Reds series
In a game that tested both teams' endurance, the Pittsburgh Pirates emerged victorious in a tense 13-inning showdown against the St. Louis Cardinals. Joey Bart became the night's hero with a bases-loaded single that bounced into the left-field stands, scoring automatic runner Isiah Kiner-Falefa. The hit capped off a pitching duel that saw starters Erick Fedde and Mitch Keller dominate opposing lineups through regulation play.
Fedde's performance was particularly noteworthy, as the Cardinals' right-hander held Pittsburgh hitless through six innings. While his pitch count forced an early exit after 88 throws, Fedde demonstrated precision with 51 strikes and limited Pirates baserunners to first base. This outing continues a growing MLB trend of pitchers being pulled earlier despite no-hit bids, with 72% of such starts ending before the seventh inning in 2024.
Keller countered with 7.1 scoreless innings for Pittsburgh, reaching a career milestone by becoming the fastest Pirates pitcher to 700 strikeouts in franchise history (178.1 innings). His ability to strand Cardinal runners proved critical, particularly during an eighth-inning threat where a defensive collision between catcher Bart and first baseman Endy Rodríguez nearly gifted St. Louis a run. Third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes salvaged the play with a heads-up tag at home plate.
The game's outcome carries implications for both teams' divisional standing. Pittsburgh's bullpen depth shone through as Justin Lawrence secured his first win with 1.2 scoreless relief innings, while St. Louis missed a chance to gain ground in the NL Central. Analysts note that 43% of Cardinals losses this season have involved late-inning defensive breakdowns, a trend that persisted Wednesday night.
Regional rivalries take center stage next as Pittsburgh travels to Cincinnati, where the Pirates hold a 5-2 record against the Reds in 2024. Meanwhile, St. Louis faces a challenging series against Philadelphia's powerhouse lineup. With 11 of Pittsburgh's last 15 games decided by two runs or fewer, their ability to win tight contests could prove vital in the playoff race.