PITTSBURGH, Pa. (Interstat) — Matthew Liberatore allowed one run over 5 2/3 innings, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-1 on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, at PNC Park. Liberatore scattered six hits, struck out six and walked none to earn the win. Brandon Eisert took the loss. Pittsburgh took a 1-0 lead in the first on Brandon Lowe’s solo home run, his 34th of the season. St. Louis then collected 10 hits and scored three runs in the second inning and two in the third. Ryan O’Hearn had two hits for the Pirates. Pittsburgh finished with six hits. Luis Gastelum, George Soriano and Ryne Stanek combined for 3 1/3 scoreless innings of relief for the Cardinals. Antwone Kelly pitched two scoreless innings for Pittsburgh. The game drew 13,176 fans and lasted 2:51. St. Louis improved to 77-81, while Pittsburgh fell to 80-78.