Pirates 5, Cardinals 0
Garrett Jones homered and had four RBIs while Francisco Liriano tossed eight superb innings as host Pittsburgh beat St. Louis in the opener of a crucial three-game series.
Russell Martin added a solo shot as the Pirates moved into a first-place tie with the Cardinals in the National League Central with identical 78-56 records. Pittsburgh is 9-5 against St. Louis this season.
Liriano (15-6) allowed two hits and two walks while striking out six in beating St. Louis for the third time in 33 days. The left-hander has limited the Cardinals to two runs and 10 hits over 24 innings during the stretch.
Jones, who went 3-for-4, began his strong performance with a two-run double in the first inning off St. Louis starter Shelby Miller. Jones and Martin hit back-to-back homers in the fourth to make it 4-0 before the former delivered an RBI single in the fifth.
Miller (12-9) allowed five runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 innings while losing to Pittsburgh for the second time in 17 days. Matt Holliday recorded two of St. Louis' four hits.
GAME NOTEBOOK: RHP Mark Melancon allowed two hits in the ninth before inducing a double-play grounder by Yadier Molina to wrap up Pittsburgh’s 15th shutout of the season - four of which have come against the Cardinals. … St. Louis acquired RHP John Axford from the Milwaukee Brewers for a player to be named. … Pirates All-Star closer Jason Grilli will make a rehab appearance at Double-A Altoona on Saturday and is slated for a second one on Monday.