Michael McGreevy Struggles in Cardinals First Loss to Pirates in 2026

Cardinals’ manager Oliver Marmol discusses Michael McGreevy’s lack of command in Wednesday’s 7-0 loss to the Pirates. ST. LOUIS – When the 102.

6 mph drive left César Prieto’s bat at 26 degrees in Wednesday’s sixth inning – one that very much had the look and feel of a potential grand slam – the Cardinals briefly appeared to be poised for yet another come-from-behind win. However, when Prieto’s 380-foot smash was run down by sliding Pirates right fielder Jake Mangum just in front of the wall, those hopeful thoughts morphed into frustration. Michael McGreevy struggled through his rockiest outing of the season and the offense failed to figure out Carmen Mlodzinski once again as Pittsburgh beat the Cardinals 7-0 before 27,185 fans at Busch Stadium on Wednesday night.

"Yeah, I really did think (the drive was gone for a grand slam) because I made really good contact there," Prieto said of his sixth-inning smash via an interpreter. "My plan was to look for the fastball middle-up and he threw it there. I was able to make good contact there.

" Cardinals star slugger Jordan Walker was hit by a pitch in the right hand in the sixth inning, and he left the game before an eighth inning at bat. Alec Burleson was hit twice during the game – on the left foot and the left shin – but was able to remain in the game. Cardinals' manager Oliver Marmol said both players were fine and were removed from the game because of the lopsided score.