Pirates Sweep Cardinals in Wild Card Race

The Pittsburgh Pirates achieved a significant 5-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, marking their fourth win in six games since the All-Star break and closing the gap in the National League wild-card race. Connor Joe and Rowdy Tellez each contributed two RBIs, while starting pitcher Martin Perez limited the Cardinals to four hits over six innings, securing the shutout. This win was crucial as the Cardinals currently sit just one game ahead of the Pirates in the standings. Earlier, the Pirates also claimed a 2-1 win against the Cardinals, with Nick Gonzales hitting a go-ahead single in the eighth inning, solidifying Pittsburgh's competitive position. Both games showcased the tight race for the wild-card spots in the NL, highlighting the importance of each matchup. As the season progresses, every game is expected to carry significant weight for both teams' playoff aspirations.