Thembinkosi Lorch and Siphesihle Ndlovu were named on the bench by Pirates, who recalled Wayde Jooste, and Vincent Pule and Kabelo Dlamini from the win over AmaZulu, while Ben Motshwari was suspended.
Pirates though didn't get off to the ideal start inside two minutes after Masilake Phohlongo latched onto a looping ball from a cross into the area to head beyond goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane.
The Sea Robbers were unlucky not to go level from 26 minutes played after a first-time shot at the near post by Gabadinho Mhango from a corner came off the outside post.
Pirates were then dealt a blow right on the half-hour mark when Abel Mabaso got a second yellow card and subsequent dismissal for a tackle from behind on Lindokuhle Mbatha.
This led the visitors to change tact in the remaining six minutes to halftime with Ndlovu introduced in the place of Nkanyiso Zungu.
The Rockets were also reduced to ten players a minute from the break, with Given Msimango also handed a second yellow after a hand ball to even up the odds.
As the second half commenced, changes from either side followed with Shaune Mogaila and Marks Munyai in for Galaxy whereas Bucs dropped in Deon Hotto.
Galaxy lived dangerously five minutes in as Mhango charged down a ball from Hotto to go one-on-one with goalkeeper Marlon Heugh, but he couldn't profit in the end.
The Buccaneers continued to pile the pressure moments thereafter as a rasping shot outside the box from Jooste forced Heugh to an acrobatic palm.
Pirates didn't stop troubling and continued to push for the equaliser as substitute Lorch dragged a loose ball from inside the area wide.
The threats didn't unsettle the Rockets as they kept the Buccaneers at bay to claim the win and eighth place.
Galaxy: Heugh, Sanoka, Msimango, Seedat, Brooks, Nduli, Mbatha, S.Mahlangu, Phohlongo, Nyama, Macuphu,
Subs: Buthelezi, Munyai, Mbunjana, Mogaila, Shozi, Modisane, Shelembe, M. Mahlangu, Lekay.
Pirates: Mpontshane, Nyauza, Maela, Mako, Jooste, Zungu, Monare, Mabaso, Pule, Mhango, Dlamini
Subs: Sandilands, Ndlovu, Sam, Jele, Makaringe, Mntambo, Lorch, Hotto, Dzvukamanja