Pirates shut out Cardinals 5-0 on July 3, 2025, as Mitch Keller dominates. See how the Bucs completed a historic shutout sweep amid trade deadline rumors.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
For the first time in a decade, the Pittsburgh Pirates have recorded three consecutive shutouts. Let that sink in. The Bucs capped a perfect 6-0 homestand on Thursday with a masterful 5-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, running their team scoreless streak to an incredible 31 innings. PNC Park was electric as the Pirates put the finishing touches on a dominant stretch of baseball, but the on-field success has only intensified the off-field questions as the trade deadline approaches.
The Pirates pitching staff has now thrown 31 consecutive scoreless innings, outscoring opponents 43-4 during their six-game winning streak.
The finale against the Cardinals was a microcosm of the entire homestand: brilliant starting pitching, lockdown relief, and timely hitting. Mitch Keller was simply masterful, carving up the St. Louis lineup for seven shutout innings while striking out seven. He was in complete command, scattering five hits and walking just one. The bullpen seamlessly took the baton, with Dennis Santana and Isaac Mattson each tossing a perfect inning to slam the door. Offensively, the Bucs broke the game open late, with Isiah Kiner-Falefa's two-run single in the eighth inning providing the exclamation point. Tommy Pham also chipped in with two RBI singles, providing more than enough support for a pitching staff that refuses to bend.
This incredible run creates a fascinating dilemma for the front office. Mitch Keller's ace-like performance is exactly why the team signed him to an extension, but it's also why contenders like the Cubs and Mets are reportedly calling. While the Pirates are said to be in no rush, a trade could bring back the offensive firepower the team still needs. Meanwhile, key relievers David Bednar and Dennis Santana, who just contributed to the historic shutout streak, are being floated as two of the likeliest Pirates to be moved by the deadline. It's the ultimate front-office puzzle: do you dismantle a pitching staff that is achieving historic success in order to build for the future?
While fans debate the present, the future continues to look bright down on the farm. First-round pick Griffin is turning heads in High-A Greensboro with his elite athleticism and defensive potential. The organization is carefully developing his raw tools, giving him reps in both the infield and outfield to maximize his versatility. Griffin represents the next wave of talent, a reminder that regardless of what happens at the trade deadline, the long-term plan to build a sustainable winner continues to move forward. His progress is a comforting sign for a fanbase watching its current heroes become trade chips.
The Pirates head out on the road riding an incredible high, playing their most dominant baseball in recent memory. But the joyous vibes are tinged with uncertainty. With the trade deadline looming, the front office faces a monumental decision: Is this historic run a sign to push the chips in, or is it the perfect opportunity to sell high on valuable assets like Keller, Bednar, and Santana? The next few weeks will define not just the 2025 season, but the direction of the franchise for years to come.
