In a close MLB matchup on Tuesday night, the Pittsburgh Pirates narrowly defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 1-0, with catcher Henry Davis playing a pivotal role both offensively and defensively. His sacrifice fly in the eighth inning provided the Pirates with the lone run of the game, scoring Ke’Bryan Hayes and securing a win for Pittsburgh.
Hayes initiated the critical eighth inning by hitting a single off Cardinals pitcher Phil Maton, who currently holds a 1-3 record. Adam Frazier came in as a pinch-hitter and delivered a crucial double to right field, positioning Hayes perfectly to score on Davis’ subsequent fly ball to center field.
The Cardinals, however, poised a threat in the ninth with runners on second and third base. Victor Scott hit a slow chopper that was expertly handled by Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz. Horwitz then swiftly threw to Davis, who made the decisive tag on Jose Fermin at the plate, thus preserving Pittsburgh’s narrow lead.
Pirates’ ace Paul Skenes had a solid performance, pitching five scoreless innings. He allowed just five hits and one walk while striking out five over 88 pitches. Despite his strong showing and maintaining a 2.03 ERA, Skenes is still seeking his first victory since May 28, particularly against the Cardinals, as this marks his sixth start without a win against them.
On the Cardinals side, starter Andre Pallante delivered an impressive performance, pitching seven innings of one-hit ball, striking out three, and walking two. The sole hit he conceded was a single by Andrew McCutchen in the fourth inning.
The victory for Pittsburgh was attributed, in part, to reliever Issac Mattson (2-0), who pitched one inning to earn the win. David Bednar secured his 12th save of the season in as many opportunities, helping the Pirates achieve their fifth consecutive win.
The game also saw Cardinals’ first baseman Willson Contreras exit after sustaining a left-hand contusion during a tag play at the home plate in the fourth inning. Additionally, Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado was absent due to a jammed right index finger.
A highlight of the game was the pivotal moment when Jose Fermin was tagged out at home, followed by Bednar’s strikeout of Brendan Donovan to wrap up the game.
Statistically, the Pirates were building off a hot streak, having scored 37 runs in their previous four games.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals will have pitcher Sonny Gray (8-2, 3.36 ERA) take the mound against Mitch Keller (2-10, 3.90 ERA) as they strive to prevent a series sweep and halt the Pirates’ momentum.