Pittsburgh Pirates third base coach Mike Rabelo (58) congratulates catcher Joey Bart (14) as he circles the bases on a solo home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at PNC Park. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Pirates enjoy some luck in extra-inning win vs. Cardinals

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 5:48 PM ET

It may not happen too often, but luck was on the Pirates' side on Wednesday following a rough outing from Paul Skenes the night before. Pittsburgh won a marathon 13-inning game 2-1 over the Cardinals, taking the series in the process.

The Pirates are now 5-8 after coming out on top in a game that didn't see any runs on the scoreboard until the 12th inning. But the fans who were in attendance — and there weren't many of them — did go home happy thanks to a big swing from catcher Joey Bart.

With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the 13th, Bart swung for the fences on a full count instead of hoping to draw a walk. Bart's swing ended up being the last one of a long day as it dropped down in deep left field, allowing a runner to score and win the game.

JOEY BARRELS pic.twitter.com/Z4RPBs8W22
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) April 9, 2025

Bart's game-winning hit was his second of the game, making him the only Pittsburgh hitter to pick up multiple hits in the game. Despite winning the game by one run, the Cardinals outhit the Pirates 7-5.

But the Pirates were fortunate Bart was even able to remain in the game after a collision while trying to track down a fly ball in front of the plate in the eighth.

Before Bart could make the catch, first baseman Endy Rodriguez ran into him as he tried to get to the ball first.

Pirates still get the out after a MASSIVE collision between Endy Rodriguez and Joey Bart pic.twitter.com/Cc8QodFRII
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) April 9, 2025

In keeping with the theme of being lucky, the Cardinals runner who tried to take advantage of the miscommunication was tagged out going home by Ke'Bryan Hayes.

And most importantly, Bart eventually got up on his own, shook the collision off and later became the hero of the day.

The Pirates now get a two-day break before packing some luck with them as they travel to Cincinnati for a three-game series with the Reds.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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