Contreras homer sparks Cardinals over Pirates 6-3
Contreras' fifth home run came off Pirates reliever Chase Shugart, who walked Nolan Arenado after coming in with the bases empty, one out and a 3-2 lead. Jose Barrero, who hit his first homer as a Cardinal earlier, added a bases-loaded ground-rule double off Shugart for a 6-3 lead.
Oneil Cruz beat out a high hopper to Cardinals starter Miles Mikola leading off the first and Bryan Reynolds followed with his fifth home run for a 2-0 lead.
Barrero led off the third with a solo shot off Pirates starter Carmen Mlodzinski, and Alec Burleson followed with his second homer in as many games to tie it 2-all. Burleson's homer went 435 feet — the longest by a Cardinal this season.
Joey Bart drew a leadoff walk in the fourth and scored on a hit by Adam Frazier to put the Pirates ahead.
Mikolas allowed three runs on four hits in five innings. Gordon Graceffo (2-0) pitched the sixth for the win. Ryan Helsley notched his sixth save.
Mlodzinski allowed four hits and two runs in 4 2/3 innings. Shugart (1-2) gave up four runs on five hits and didn't record an out.
The Cardinals (17-19) swept a doubleheader with the Mets on Sunday after winning two against the Reds on Wednesday.
The Pirates (12-24) have lost five in a row and 8 of 9.
Key moment
Helsey struck out Reynolds looking with runners on second and third to end it.
Key stat
Cruz was hit by a pitch leading off the third before being thrown out by Pedro Pagés trying to steal, ending a run of 35 successful attempts including 15 this season.
Up next
RHP Paul Skenes (3-3, 2.74) starts Tuesday for the Pirates against Cardinals LHP Matthew Liberatore (2-3, 3.44).
___
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