🔴 LIVE Pirates vs. Cardinals NL CENTRAL ACTION - Play by Play & Reaction | Game 48 of 162 [ysIToSbjdtn]
The St. Louis Cardinals (27-19) host game one of a three game set against an NL Central rival, the Pittsburgh Pirates (24-23). The Redbirds begin the day only 1.0 game back in the NL Central behind the first place Chicago Cubs (29-19). The Buccos themselves are only 4.5 games out of first, so the action is very tight going into late May in the division. At least for now, it is almost anyone's game going forward. On the mound starting for the Cards is LHP Matthew Liberatore (2-2, 4.40 ERA), who was very middle of the road in his previous start out in Sacramento against the A's last week. As one of the arms the Cardinals are heavily relying upon going forward for the remainder of 2026, Liberatore wants to set a strong pace as the Redbirds open their series against Pittsburgh tonight. Going for the visiting Pirates this evening is the RHP Mitch Keller (4-2, 3.59 ERA), who is a quintessential middle of the rotation talent and performer. Keller is coming off his roughest start of 2026, where he gave up 6 earned runs over 5.2 IP against the Rockies. So he has much to prove tonight after getting roughed up last time by a Colorado ball club that is currently 10 games under .500, and the second worst team in Major League Baseball right now - just ahead of the Angels. Will Liberatore come out sharp tonight, and keep the Pirates offense pinned down to let the Redbirds' bats get to work? Are the Cards EXCEEDINGLY FORTUNATE to miss Paul Skenes turn in the rotation for this series against Pittsburgh? How many Cardinals fans will show up to Busch Stadium on a warm and damp night minus their shirts? Tune in tonight as Paul D. begins Bombers Game Mic coverage at 6:35 PM CST for the scheduled 6:45 PM CST first pitch at Busch Stadium! #stlcardinals #livestream #playbyplay #mlb #pittsburghpirates #nlcentral