MLB roundup: Cards conquer Pirates to hand Paul Skenes first defeat

Nolan Arenado contributed with a solo home run for the Cardinals, who managed to even the three-game series at one win each.

Skenes (6-1) pitched a career-high eight 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on four hits. He recorded eight strikeouts and did not issue a single walk.

On the other side, Cardinals starter Lance Lynn held the Pirates scoreless for five innings, surrendering four hits and three walks. He struck out two batters and reached a milestone of 2,000 career strikeouts. Ryan Fernandez (1-2) secured his first big-league win, while Ryan Helsley notched his 33rd save of the season for St. Louis.

The Athletics defeated the Astros with a score of 8-2, with Lawrence Butler hitting one of Oakland's five home runs and finishing a single shy of the cycle. Brent Rooker, Seth Brown, Zack Gelof, and Shea Langeliers also homered for Oakland, who have taken the first two games of a three-game set.

Osvaldo Bido (2-1) limited the Astros to one run and four hits in five innings. Jeremy Pena capped a three-hit night for the Astros with a homer in the ninth inning. Jake Bloss (0-1) served up five runs and six hits in four innings.

The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Minnesota Twins with a score of 3-0. Brandon Marsh's sacrifice fly and Nick Castellanos' two-run double in the ninth inning secured the victory for the Phillies.

Zack Wheeler pitched seven scoreless innings, and Gregory Soto and Matt Strahm contributed to the win as well. Simeon Woods Richardson pitched six shutout innings for the Twins, but Jhoan Duran gave up three runs in two-thirds of an inning.

Miami defeated Baltimore 6-3 with Jesus Sanchez hitting a home run and Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Nick Gordon each bringing in two runs. The game was the first of a three-game series, and Miami's early offense secured the win. The Orioles' Albert Suarez only lasted two-plus innings, giving up six runs on eight hits before leaving the game due to injury.