Ashcraft’s strong start backed by offense as Pirates take series; Lowe takes walk in the park

Pirates Cardinals Baseball Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Braxton Ashcraft throws during the first inning of a baseball game against St. Louis Cardinals Thursday, May 21, 2026, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (Jeff Roberson/AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

By Danny Demilio

This article originally appeared on PGHBaseballNOW.

Braxton Ashcraft delivered seven-strong innings a,d Brandon Lowe hit an inside-the-park home run for the Pittsburgh Pirates in their 6-2 rubber match win over the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Thursday afternoon. 

Scoring Plays

Top 1st, 1-0 PIT: Brandon Lowe hit an inside-the-park home run to left field off Dustin May (4-4). The ball bounced off the very top of the fence towards left-center and away from left fielder José Fermin, allowing Lowe to score easily.

Bottom 3rd, 1-1: Iván Herrera hit a solo home run to left-center on a first-pitch slider from Braxton Ashcraft to tie the game.

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