The Pittsburgh Pirates wrap up another home date at PNC Park on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, welcoming the St. Louis Cardinals for a 6:40 PM ET first pitch. Jared Jones gets the ball for Pittsburgh against Cardinals right-hander Andre Pallante. With September winding down and every game carrying weight in the standings, this is exactly the kind of division matchup the Pirates need to handle at home in front of their own fans. Catch the game on SportsNet Pittsburgh or listen on Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan.
Pitching Matchup: Jared Jones vs. Andre Pallante
Jared Jones is Pittsburgh's assignment on the mound Tuesday, and the young right-hander continues to be one of the most compelling stories in the Pirates organization. Jones has shown genuine swing-and-miss stuff — his ability to miss bats in the strike zone is the calling card that keeps scouts and fans alike paying attention whenever he takes the ball. The Pirates need innings and competitiveness from him as the season enters its final days.
On the other side, the Cardinals send Andre Pallante to the bump. Pallante is a strike-thrower who relies on contact management rather than overpowering hitters. He works efficiently and keeps the ball in the park, which means Pittsburgh's lineup will need to string together plate appearances and manufacture runs rather than waiting around for a big inning to fall into their lap.
Keys to Watch for the Pirates
- Jones's command early: Jared Jones is at his best when he's attacking the zone in the first two innings. If he falls behind hitters, St. Louis has enough contact ability to make him work deep counts and shorten his outing.
- Working Pallante's pitch count: Pallante won't beat himself with walks. Pittsburgh's lineup has to take quality at-bats, foul off pitches, and look for hittable counts rather than expanding his zone.
- Bullpen depth: With the season in its final stretch, how the Pirates manage their late-game arms matters. A short outing from either starter puts real pressure on the back end of both pens.
- Home crowd advantage: PNC Park has been a genuine asset for Pittsburgh this year. Keeping the energy up at home gives the Pirates a tangible edge, especially in close, low-scoring games that matchups like this one tend to produce.
Prediction
This shapes up as a tight, well-pitched game. Pallante's profile invites defensive baseball, and Jones has the ability to keep St. Louis off the board for stretches. The edge goes to Pittsburgh at home. Jones gets through five or six solid innings, the Pirates offense scratches out enough runs in the middle innings, and the home bullpen closes it out. Pirates 4, Cardinals 2.
