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4w ago

McCullers Clinches First Win Since 2022 as Astros Shut Out Pirates 3-0

Christian Walker’s seventh-inning homer, followed by Isaac Paredes’s ninth-inning shot, decided a pitching duel in which McCullers matched zeroes with Paul Skenes

Pittsburgh Pirates' Isiah Kiner-Falefa, right, steals second ahead of the tag by Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve, left, during the fifth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
Houston Astros' Christian Walker, right, is greeted by Yainer Diaz, left, after hitting a home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
Houston Astros' Christian Walker celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Overview

  • Lance McCullers Jr. secured his first victory since Sept. 21, 2022 by allowing two hits over six innings and striking out seven in his sixth start back from a 2½-year hiatus.
  • Paul Skenes delivered eight innings of one-run ball with eight strikeouts, lowering his ERA to 2.05 despite taking the loss to fall to 4-6.
  • Houston’s bullpen preserved the shutout with one-inning stints from Shawn Dubin and Bryan Abreu before Josh Hader closed out his 16th save in 16 chances.
  • The Astros have won seven of their last nine games and posted their sixth shutout of the season during a stretch of just 12 runs scored in five games.
  • Manager Joe Espada led the team to the Roberto Clemente Museum on the off day, underscoring the Astros’ focus on cultural engagement and clubhouse unity.