Tonight’s game was disappointing for the Cardinals. Despite multiple opportunities against Paul Skenes, they failed to score, leaving 10 runners on base. A key moment came in the fourth inning when Pedro Pages singled, but Willson Contreras was thrown out at home, ending a potential rally.
The Pirates managed to score the game’s only run in the bottom of the eighth on a sacrifice fly by Henry Davis, after threatening earlier against Phil Maton. The Cardinals tried to respond but were stopped when Jose Fermin was tagged out at home, and the game ended with a strikeout by David Bednar.
Andre Pallante’s strong pitching
The loss stings especially because Andre Pallante pitched exceptionally well, delivering seven shutout innings with just one hit allowed, three strikeouts, and two walks. He outperformed Skenes, who was taken out after five innings due to a high pitch count. Pallante’s effort deserved better offensive support, but the Cardinals have now been shut out four times in less than a week.
This outing was a positive sign after Pallante struggled in his previous start against the Cubs. The team seems committed to keeping him in the rotation despite some recent struggles, and tonight’s performance reinforced that decision.
Contreras injury update
In the fourth inning, Contreras was hit on the hand by a 99-mph fastball and left the game shortly afterward. Fortunately, X-rays were negative, showing only bruising, but he is considered day-to-day. Contreras is an important power hitter for the Cardinals, so his health is crucial moving forward. It’s likely he will miss tomorrow’s game but may be available for the upcoming Cubs series.
Looking ahead
Sonny Gray will start tomorrow’s game, aiming to build on his recent complete-game shutout against Cleveland and avoid a series sweep. Mitch Keller will pitch for the Pirates, with first pitch scheduled for 11:35 a.m.
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