Final Score: Pirates 2 Cardinals 1
Why The Pirates Won: Paul Skenes pitched a strong 6 and 1/3 innings giving up 1 run on 3 hits, walking 2, while striking out 8 to reach 200 for the season. The bullpen went the last 2 and 1/3 innings with Mason Montgomery striking out the side in the top of the ninth to get his 17th save. The Cardinals bullpen game was almost just as effective but the Pirates were able to score a run in the bottom of the 8th without getting a hit. The Pirates will at least have their first non losing season since 2018. The San Diego Padres clinched a playoff berth last night beating the Dodgers 4-2. They still have a chance to be the top Wild Card team and host all 3 games in the first round.
Key Moment Of The Game: In the bottom of the 8th Ronnie Simon drew a 7 pitch walk with one out. The 3rd pitch to Spencer Horwitz was in the dirt and bounced away from the catcher. Simon took off for 2nd and the throw went into center field allowing Simon to go to 3rd base. Horwitz lifted a 98 MPH fastball just above the knees some 337 feet to center field to easily score Simon. Montgomery was dominant in the 9th to preserve the 2-1 win.
Next Game: Tonight the Tigers in Detroit. The Pirates do have a chance at a winning season. Bubba Chandler will go for the Pirates. On another note the position evaluations for the Pirates will have to be delayed until at least September 30th. It is too hard to maneuver around Baseball Reference on my I pad. I will mix those in during the playoffs. The season is winding down. Hopefully the Pirates will get to 82 wins. Stay tuned.
