Both teams would eventually succumb the division to the New York Mets in 1973, but they would again find themselves in a tight race in 1974. Hebner hit a three-run home run off Cardinals closer Al Hrabosky at Three Rivers Stadium on September 19 to carry his team to an 8-6 victory. Four days later, his team would travel to St. Louis. The Pirates' Jim Rooker and Cardinals' Lynn McGlothen both pitched masterfully, as the game headed into extra innings scoreless. In the top of the tenth, Hebner drove in Miguel Dilone for the only run of the game. They would go on to win the division by a game and a half over the Cards.