Mitch Keller allowed one run over seven innings, while second baseman Nick Gonzales singled to drive in Bryan Reynolds with the winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning, as the Pirates took the first of a crucial three-game series against the Cardinals by a score of 2-1 at PNC Park on Monday night.

The victory improved the Pirates record to 51-49 after 100 games. Furthermore, while Pittsburgh remains one-half game back of the Mets for the third and final wildcard spot in the National League, it’s now just one game back of St. Louis for the second spot and three-and-a-half behind the Braves for the top wildcard seed.

The Pirates are for real, at least when it comes to the very-crowded race for the three wildcard seeds.

If you really want to get frisky, you can point out that the Bucs are only six back of the first-place Brewers in the National League Central Division. Pittsburgh just took two of three in Milwaukee right before the All-Star break.

What’s my point with all of this? Pirates general manager Ben Cherington shouldn’t need anymore proof that these Buccos will be in some sort of postseason race until the end of the year. Therefore, why not make a move to bring in a veteran hitter to help this listless lineup that has produced just two runs over the past two games?

Believe me, transaction talk, which makes up the bulk of sports coverage these days, can be a bit annoying. However, that’s mostly when it involves the NFL and its never-ending quest to say in the spotlight. When it comes to baseball trade talk, on the other hand, that’s as American as Mom and apple pie.

It’s also perfectly normal to expect a contending baseball team to make a move when the trade deadline approaches, which it is (MLB’s trade deadline is July 31).

What’s it going to take to bring in a veteran hitter, someone who can play a corner outfield spot or even be a designated hitter? Nobody is asking Cherington to mortgage the future, but he might currently possess the most lethal starting pitching rotation in Major League Baseball. He certainly owns the most lethal pitcher in the game in rookie Paul Skenes.

As I’ve said before, the Pirates might be ahead of where they thought they’d be internally, but so what? Strike now and worry about the fallout later.

The Pirates just need a little help to give them an edge in the wildcard race.

Getting them that help shouldn’t be that hard.