Wed Sep 18 02:51:57 UTC 2024: ## Cardinals Rally Past Pirates, Lynn Wins 100th Appearance at Busch Stadium
**ST. LOUIS** – Lance Lynn pitched six strong innings in his 100th appearance at Busch Stadium, leading the St. Louis Cardinals to a 3-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night. The veteran right-hander earned his 46th win at the ballpark, a significant milestone in his 13-year career.
Lynn, who returned from the injured list earlier this month, kept the Pirates offense in check, allowing only a solo home run. The Cardinals offense struggled early, but Jordan Walker’s timely solo homer in the sixth inning broke a tie and gave Lynn the lead he needed.
The Cardinals bullpen, led by Ryan Helsley’s 45th save, held on for the victory despite some eighth-inning turbulence. Matthew Liberatore, who inherited the lead in the eighth, walked a tightrope to secure the victory.
The win was especially meaningful for Lynn, who had a memorable return to St. Louis this season. He signed a one-year deal with the Cardinals, hoping to provide veteran leadership and guidance to a young team.
“He nailed every one of them,” manager Oliver Marmol said of the team’s expectations for Lynn. “He’s a lot more than just a big, burly dude who is always angry and yells bad words at times.”
Lynn’s future with the Cardinals remains uncertain. The team has an $11 million option for him in 2025, but that decision will likely depend on his performance and the team’s overall needs.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Lynn has been a valuable asset to the Cardinals this season. He has provided much-needed experience and stability to a team that is looking to build for the future.
**Other key highlights from the game:**
* Luken Baker hit a triple in the fifth inning, tying the game at 1-1.
* Nolan Arenado added a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning to extend the Cardinals’ lead to 3-1.
* Liberatore earned the win after striking out Andrew McCutchen with runners on first and second base in the eighth inning.
* Walker’s home run was his fourth of the season.
The Cardinals will look to continue their winning ways as they prepare for their regular season finale against the Pirates on Sunday.