First pitch 6:40 p.m. ET
Venue: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
TV: SportsNet PT / Cardinals TV / MLB.TV
Both clubs are eliminated from postseason contention and playing out the string in the NL Central (Brewers clinched; Cubs in second). Pittsburgh sits third at 79-77 (19 GB), St. Louis fourth at 76-80 (22 GB). This is the first of a three-game series wrapping the Pirates’ home schedule.
Starting Pitchers
St. Louis RHP Andre Pallante (12-7, 3.70 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 151.0 IP, 104 K, 47 BB, 11 HR)
Strong road form this year (noted as 7-0 with a 2.76 ERA in 12 road starts in MLB preview material). He struggled in his last outing (5 IP, 8 H, 8 R/6 ER vs. Giants on Sept. 15). Career vs. Pirates: solid in limited samples; Bryan Reynolds is 4-for-26 (.154) with 2 HR against him. Ground-ball oriented with modest strikeout rates.
Pittsburgh RHP Jared Jones (4-6, 4.17 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 90.2 IP, 109 K, 31 BB, 12 HR)
Returned from early-season elbow issues and has been excellent lately (roughly 1.50 ERA over recent September starts with high K rates). Allowed 3 ER or fewer in 14 of his past 15 starts per MLB notes. Higher strikeout upside than Pallante but fewer innings overall.
Venue & Weather Forecast
PNC Park (capacity ~38,700) is a pitcher-friendly park with the Allegheny River beyond the right-field wall.
Forecast for first pitch (~6:40 p.m. ET)
Cool and unsettled. Highs in the low-to-mid 60s°F during the day, dropping into the mid-to-upper 50s at night. Showers likely (60-70% chance daytime, higher in evening), overcast/partly cloudy, east winds 10-15 mph (gusts to ~25-30 mph). Possible light rain or delays; conditions favor pitchers and lower scoring if precipitation holds off.
Injury Reports
Cardinals
LF Joshua Báez: 10-day IL (left oblique strain) – out for season.
3B/1B Blaze Jordan: 10-day IL (ankle) – out for season.
OF Everson Pereira: 10-day IL (hand contusion) – rehabbing; status uncertain for series.
SP Hunter Dobbins: IL (elbow/Tommy John-related) – out for season.
RP Max Rajcic: 60-day IL (elbow) – out for season.
Key available contributors include Alec Burleson, Jordan Walker, Ivan Herrera, Masyn Winn (recently reinstated), and others from recent lineups.
Pirates
RF Esmerlyn Valdez: 10-day IL (left hamstring) – expected out for season (eligible window around Sept. 22).
SP Braxton Ashcraft: 15-day IL (right arm discomfort) – out for season.
SP Mitch Keller: 60-day IL (shoulder/teres major) – questionable/out for season.
RP Kirby Yates: 15-day IL (right shoulder) – no firm timetable (possible late-September return).
RP Isaac Mattson: 15-day IL (hip) – around the window but no confirmed return.
C Endy Rodríguez: 60-day IL (hip surgery) – out for season.
Active core includes Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, Brandon Lowe, Nick Gonzales, and recent call-ups.
Key Player Matchups & Roster Notes
Pirates feature a strong young core. Oneil Cruz (CF) is having a solid year (~.280 AVG, 20 HR, 28 SB in limited games; 20/20 seasons streak) and hit his 20th homer recently. Bryan Reynolds remains a steady presence (~.260-.262 AVG, 17 HR, strong OBP). Other notables: Brandon Lowe (power), Nick Gonzales.
Cardinals lean on Alec Burleson (strong AVG/RBI production), Jordan Walker (power), Ivan Herrera, and speed/defense options like Victor Scott II / Nathan Church. Pallante’s sinker/ground-ball profile vs.
Pittsburgh’s contact and power bats (Cruz/Reynolds) is a key tactical battle; Jones’ higher K rate could neutralize St. Louis’ more average-oriented lineup. Exact projected lineups were not fully locked in available previews, but expect standard late-season configurations with both clubs evaluating younger players.
Recent Team Forms
Pirates: Hot – won 4 straight (including series vs. Royals) and 6-4 in last 10. Strong home mark (42-36). Offensive surge led by Cruz and supporting cast.
Cardinals: Mixed – snapped a skid with a 5-3 win over Washington on Sept. 20 (final home game). 4-6 in last 10; 38-37 on the road. Inconsistent offense and recent pitching struggles.
Season Series History
Cardinals lead the 2026 season series 6-4 entering this set.
April at PNC: Cardinals swept 4-game series.
May at Busch: Split-ish (Pirates took 2 of 3 after an extra-inning Cardinals win).
Late August at Busch: Pirates took 2 of 3 (5-4, 6-2 wins bookending a Cardinals victory).
Overall, competitive with both sides showing ability to score in the matchup.
Betting Trends
Pirates strong recently at home and as favorites; 4-0 in last 4 overall in some trackers.
Cardinals have had success historically in Pittsburgh this year (swept April series).
Totals have gone over in several recent Pirates games; weather may suppress scoring.
Game Odds
St. Louis Cardinals 7
Pittsburgh Pirates – 145
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, September 21, 2026
