The Pittsburgh Pirates kicked off their seven-game homestand in style on Monday night, with Joshua Palacios leading the charge in an 11-1 rout of the St. Louis Cardinals. Palacios had a standout performance, collecting three hits and driving in five runs, contributing to the Pirates' 16-hit offensive explosion, while their pitching staff held the Cardinals in check.

The Pirates jumped ahead early, plating two runs in the first inning, followed by Liover Peguero adding two more with an opposite-field single in the third. The fourth inning saw four more runs cross the plate, three of which came courtesy of a home run. In the eighth, Palacios and Alika Williams tacked on three more runs with a pair of doubles.

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On the mound, Thomas Hatch and Bailey Falter set the tone for Pittsburgh. Hatch got the start, allowing just two hits over three innings, while Falter dominated in relief, tossing six innings, giving up just one run, and striking out eight to earn his first win of the season.

A special family moment unfolded in the ninth inning, as Joshua's brother, Richie Palacios, entered the game as a pinch-hitter and singled—right to Joshua in left field. After the game, Joshua described it as a "bucket list moment."

The Pirates will look to secure the series win on Tuesday night, with Johan Oviedo taking the mound against Adam Wainwright for the Cardinals.