Mitch Keller leads the Pirates to a 5-0 win, completing a historic 3-game shutout sweep of the Cardinals on July 2, 2025. See how they did it.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
For the first time in nearly 50 years, the Pittsburgh Pirates have done the unthinkable: a complete, three-game shutout sweep of a division rival. The Bucs capped off their masterful series against the St. Louis Cardinals with a 5-0 victory on Wednesday, silencing the Redbirds' bats for 27 consecutive innings. It was a statement series, a display of pitching dominance that has the city buzzing and wondering what this team is truly capable of.
The Pirates' pitching staff did not allow a single run in the entire three-game series against the Cardinals, the first time the franchise has accomplished that feat since 1976.
Mitch Keller was the star of the show in the series finale, putting an exclamation point on the pitching staff's incredible performance. The right-hander was simply untouchable, carving through the Cardinals' lineup for seven scoreless innings, striking out seven while allowing just five hits and a single walk. The offense provided all the support he'd need, sparked by Tommy Pham's two RBI singles and a decisive seventh-inning rally. Isiah Kiner-Falefa broke the game open with a clutch two-run single, followed by an RBI knock from Spencer Horwitz to put the game on ice. Isaac Mattson slammed the door in the ninth, officially etching this series into the Pirates' history books.
While the pitching stole the headlines, key offensive players are making their mark. Isiah Kiner-Falefa continued his hot streak with that crucial two-run single, boosting his average to .292 over his last seven games. His recent production is solidifying his role in the infield. Meanwhile, a changing of the guard appears to be happening in left field. Tommy Pham, who drove in two runs Wednesday, has started three straight games over Adam Frazier. While Frazier has been solid since May, Pham's recent power surge has earned him the starting nod, shifting the veteran Frazier into a valuable utility role off the bench.
Even amidst the celebration, the reality of the upcoming trade deadline looms large. Unsurprisingly, the Pirates' dominant pitching is drawing significant interest from contenders. Closer David Bednar and reliever Dennis Santana are considered prime trade candidates. However, the biggest name swirling in rumors is Wednesday's hero, Mitch Keller. Despite being under contract through 2029, teams like the Cubs and Mets are reportedly making calls. Trading a controllable ace like Keller would be a massive, direction-altering move, likely aimed at acquiring a significant offensive haul. Veteran lefty Andrew Heaney is also on the block, making the next few weeks a tense time for the Bucs' faithful.
Whatever happens at the deadline, the future in Pittsburgh remains incredibly bright. The organization's farm system is stacked, boasting five prospects on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list. The crown jewel is right-hander Bubba Chandler, the No. 2 overall prospect in baseball, who is dominating Triple-A with a 2.17 ERA and 56 strikeouts in just 37.1 innings. Chandler and several other top-tier prospects are knocking on the door of the big leagues, promising that a wave of talent is on its way to PNC Park.
What a day. What a series. A historic sweep provides a massive injection of excitement, but the persistent trade rumors create a cloud of uncertainty. Are the Pirates building around this dominant pitching staff, or are they about to cash in their biggest assets to retool the offense for the future? The next few weeks leading up to the deadline will be fascinating. For now, let's savor a piece of history and celebrate a sweep for the ages.
