The Pittsburgh Pirates haven’t accomplished this feat in 49 years.
The Pittsburgh Pirates haven’t had much to celebrate this season, but their sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals as part of an undefeated homestand at PNC Park is worth the fireworks.
The Pirates won 7-0, 1-0 and 5-0 in yesterday’s series finale to complete the sweep of the Cardinals, marking the first time Pittsburgh allowed zero runs in a series since 1976.
Pirates infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa spoke with MLB.com reporter Alex Stumpf about the sweep.
“Three shutouts in a row — that’s pretty special,” Kiner-Falefa said via Stumpf. “I feel like the pitchers have done a great job the last two nights — defensive shutouts, as well. So it’s nice to finally see these one-run games going our way. We’re finding a way to have that big inning. It’s exciting.”
In the past six games, the Pirates have outscored their opponents 43-4, which is something you usually see from a team 12 games under .500 and in last place in their division.
The Pirates were able to accomplish all of this in the friendly confines of PNC Park, but they will have to find a way to match this spark on the road, where they will play until the All-Star Break.
“It was special,” Kiner-Falefa said via Stumpf. “On paper, you’re looking at these games, like, trying to win a couple games, then going out there and really dominating. That’s the biggest thing: These aren’t just wins — these are dominating wins. It’s nice. You build off the confidence of domination at home. It’s hard not to feed off that.”
The Pirates face the Mariners for a three-game series beginning Friday, July 4 at 4:05 p.m. ET.