As the St. Louis Cardinals prepare to face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, all eyes are on a team that has shown both resilience and firepower in their recent outings. The Cardinals, coming off a series of games that have highlighted their strengths and weaknesses, are poised for what promises to be an electrifying encounter.

Jul 3, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jared Jones (37) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

In their last game against the Braves, the Cardinals' bats came alive with a vengeance, racking up 14 hits and 9 runs. This offensive explosion was characterized by a .359 batting average and an impressive .971 OPS (On-base Plus Slugging), signaling that when this team gets hot, they can be unstoppable. Notably, their ability to capitalize on run-scoring opportunities was evident as they converted 5 hits with runners in scoring position into crucial runs.

The power display wasn't just about getting hits; it was about getting meaningful hits. With four extra-base hits including two home runs, the Cardinals demonstrated they could change the complexion of a game with a single swing. This kind of slugging prowess will be critical as they go up against a Pirates team that has been relatively evenly matched with them throughout the season.

Jul 3, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Alec Burleson (41) greets catcher Willson Contreras (40) crossing home plate on a two run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the eighth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Pitching also played a pivotal role in their recent performances. Despite some challenges, the bullpen managed to hold its ground by maintaining a perfect ERA of 0.00 over three innings in one of their previous games against Atlanta. This kind of bullpen reliability will be essential for closing out tight games or preserving leads once established by their offense.

However, it's not just about what STL brings to Pittsburgh; it's also about understanding and respecting what PIT brings to the table. The Pirates have proven themselves capable adversaries with notable wins under their belt this season. Their ability to keep games close and capitalize on any slip-ups cannot be underestimated.

Jul 3, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Rowdy Tellez (44) circles the bases on a solo home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Looking ahead at the upcoming game scheduled for July 24th at 12:35 PM EDT at PNC Park, fans can expect an intense matchup where strategy and execution will play key roles on both sides. The Cardinals' recent performance suggests they have found some rhythm at bat which could prove challenging for PIT pitchers if sustained early into this game.

For fans eager not to miss any action from this anticipated showdown between these two storied franchises, tuning into MLB Network will ensure you catch every pitch live from Pittsburgh's iconic venue.

This matchup is more than just another game; it's an opportunity for STL to assert themselves further as contenders within their division while testing their mettle against a resilient PIT squad determined not only to defend home turf but also make strides up the standings themselves.

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