Braxton Ashcraft bedevils Cardinals, who lose to Pirates 6-2

May 21, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Braxton Ashcraft (35) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images Game Summary The Pirates re-asserted themselves today to take the game and series from St. Louis, somewhat returning the favor from the Cardinals recent visit to Pittsburgh. The Pirates took no quarter, outscoring the Cardinals 13-2 in the final two