Pirates Blow Out Cardinals 11-1 Behind Palacios’ Three-Run Bomb

PITTSBURGH— The Pirates opened their series with the St. Louis Cardinals with an 11-1 win. Outfielder Joshua Palacios hit a three run homer—part of a five RBI night—with his brother Richie watching from the Cardinals’ dugout, while the Pirates worked a clinical bullpen game with Thomas Hatch and Bailey Falter.

Recap:

The Pirates (56-69) took a 2-0 lead with a two-out rally in the first. Endy Rodríguez plated one run, beating the throw on an infield single to third baseman Nolan Arenado. Connor Joe went home on a wild pitch from Cardinals’ rookie Drew Rom, who was making his major league debut. 

Pittsburgh loaded the bases in the third, doubling the lead to 4-0 on a single from Liover Peguero.

Ke’Bryan Hayes and Joe swapped places with doubles in the fourth, and Palacios blew the game open with a three-run bomb. 

Cardinals’ catcher Andrew Knizner got one back in the top of the fifth, leading off with a solo shot to left. 

Joshua Palacios hit a two-run double in the eighth, and Alika Williams hit a two-bagger of his own to stretch the lead to 11-1.

Cardinals’ center fielder Tommy Edman stopped the bleeding, robbing Jason Delay of extra bases with a leaping over-the-shoulder catch at the wall.

Richie Palacios earned a pinch-hit single in the ninth, continuing the brotherly onslaught. Joshua Palacios got the last word, though, ending the game with a diving catch in left.

Key Moment:

The Pirates put their foot on the gas early and kept it there the entire game, never giving Rom a chance to settle in. 

Star of the Game:

Connor Joe reached in all five plate appearances, hitting three doubles, drawing a walk and reaching on an error.

Stat of Interest:

Dating back to last season, the Pirates have five straight home wins against the Cardinals.

Noteworthy:

Bailey Falter earned his first win since September 30, 2022.

Falter tied his career high for a single game with eight strikeouts. The other game took place against the Pirates on July 29, 2022.

Palacios’ five RBI night set a career high.

Up Next: 

The Pirates look to take their series with the Cardinals at 7:05pm Tuesday. Pittsburgh will send right-hander Johan Oviedo (6-13, 4.55 ERA) to the mound. St. Louis counters with Adam Wainwright (3-8, 8.42 ERA).