Alec Burleson’s first-inning solo homer was St. Louis’ only run in a 2-1 loss to Pittsburgh. With the game tied in the eighth, a walk, wild pitch and poor throw put a runner on third before a sacrifice fly brought home Pittsburgh’s unearned winning run.
Paul Skenes struck out eight and reached 200 strikeouts for the season before leaving in the seventh. For St. Louis, Hjerpe followed opener Leahy with 3⅓ scoreless innings; Cardinals relievers held Pittsburgh to one run until the eighth.
The Cardinals head to Milwaukee for their final series of the season.
