Pittsburgh Pirates News & Notes 04/29/2026

The Pittsburgh Pirates currently hold a 16-14 record and sit fifth in the NL Central standings. Following an 11-7 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday, the team enters today on its first three-game losing streak of the season.

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MLB Game Recap

Pittsburgh fell 11-7. The Cardinals capitalized on a rough outing by Braxton Ashcraft. He allowed six earned runs on six hits and three walks over 4.1 innings while striking out seven on 87 pitches. The bullpen was pushed early. LHP Hunter Barco threw 4.2 innings. He surrendered five additional runs. The Cardinals broke the game open with five runs across the seventh and eighth innings. Oneil Cruz and Ryan O’Hearn hit home runs to spark a sixth-inning rally. Despite their efforts, the Pirates could not overcome the 11-3 deficit.

Standout Performer

Right fielder Ryan O’Hearn went 2-for-4 with a 398-foot two-run home run, three RBIs, and two runs scored. His home run in the sixth inning briefly cut the St. Louis lead to 6-3, providing the Pittsburgh Pirates’ most significant offensive spark of the night. O’Hearn continues a strong stretch, batting .306 with seven RBIs over his last 10 games.

Key News & Notes

The Pittsburgh Pirates activated RHP Braxton Ashcraft from the bereavement list to start Tuesday’s game. They recalled LHP Hunter Barco to bolster the bullpen. Oneil Cruz returned to the leadoff spot and center field after missing two games with illness. Infielder Jared Triolo moved his rehab assignment to Double-A Altoona. He stated his right knee “feels good” after recovering from his right knee patellar tendon injury. Manager Don Kelly noted that Barco’s flight was delayed, and he landed in Pittsburgh just 25 minutes before first pitch.

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Farm Report

Triple-A: The Indianapolis Indians were rained out in Memphis; they will play a doubleheader today starting at 1:05 p.m.
Double-A: Altoona beat Richmond 10-9. Jared Triolo went 3-for-4 with a three-run homer in his rehab debut. Jack Brannigan added two home runs and four RBIs.

High-A: Greensboro lost 7-6 to Winston-Salem in 10 innings. Sammy Stafura went 4-for-5 with two RBIs. He also made his first stolen base.
Low-A: Bradenton fell 4-1 to Lakeland, managed just two hits, and saw 3B Murf Gray double to maintain a .346 season average.

Looking Ahead

The Pirates look to snap their slide tonight at PNC Park with rookie RHP Bubba Chandler (1-2, 4.88 ERA) on the mound. He will face Cardinals right-hander Andre Pallante (2-2, 4.26 ERA), with the first pitch scheduled for 6:40 p.m..

The major league pitching struggles are a concern. Jared Triolo’s immediate power in his Double-A rehab is a major boost for the infield depth.