The National League Central saw a pitchers’ duel Tuesday night between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Paul Skenes looked solid, but Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore was just a bit better with seven innings and one run allowed in seven innings. Skenes didn’t totally look like his dominant self with four walks, though he still struck out six hitters in six innings. The lone damage the Pirates ace allowed came with one swing on two-run double for Alec Burleson in the sixth inning that proved to be the difference in the game as the Cardinals earned a 2-1 win.
Skenes fell to 3-4 on the season while holding a 2.77 ERA. The Cardinals have gotten to the Pirates ace already this season. He’s 0-3 with nine earned runs allowed in three starts against St. Louis in 2025.
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