The Latest Breaking News from Ben Gamel

Sunday in St. Louis had a festive feel and was supposed to be about a coronation of Cardinals stars, the formal feting of Adam Wainwright, Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina in their final regular-season home game.

PITTSBURGH — Michael Chavis sprinted toward first base and raised his right fist in the air, the emotion evident as his line drive into left field easily finding some grass, the Pirates walking it off for one of their more enjoyable victories during a frustrating season.

CHICAGO — All game Monday, the Chicago Cubs made silly mistakes against the Pirates. All game, the Pirates failed to take full advantage of it.

Ben Gamel sure is no stranger to heroic catches in the outfield!

PITTSBURGH — In a game where the Pirates faced arguably the best starting pitcher in the National League in right-hander Sandy Alcantara, their offense was pesky, persistent and productive, Pittsburgh tying the game in the ninth to force extra innings and threatening again in the 10th.

PITTSBURGH — José Quintana and the Pirates are in a strange spot right now.

MIAMI — Pablo Lopez, even while inefficient at times, did his job Wednesday. The Miami Marlins’ right-handed pitcher had a no-hitter through four innings and ultimately allowed just one hit and one run over five innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

MILWAUKEE — Ben Gamel rounded second base, pointed toward the Pirates dugout and pumped his left fist and arm in celebration, the emotion flowing through the Pirates outfielder glaringly obvious on Saturday at American Family Field.

CINCINNATI — Josh VanMeter probably doesn’t want to return to Great American Ball Park any time soon. Pirates fans, meanwhile, likely aren’t clamoring for VanMeter to return at all, especially with Kevin Newman and Jake Marisnick seemingly at the tail end of their rehab assignments with Class AAA Indianapolis.