Houston Astros Shutout Pittsburgh Pirates 3-0; McCullers Wins First Since 2022

Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025

PITTSBURGH -- The Houston Astros defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-0 on Tuesday night, fueled by a strong pitching performance from Lance McCullers Jr. and late home runs from Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes.

Lance McCullers Jr. earned his first win since 2022, pitching six scoreless innings. He allowed just two hits and one walk while striking out seven Pirates hitters. This marked his first victory after returning from injury on May 4th, improving his record to 1-1 on the season.

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes delivered another impressive outing despite taking the loss. Skenes pitched eight innings, giving up only one run on three hits. He struck out eight and walked one, lowering his season ERA to 2.05. His record fell to 4-6, highlighting a series of tough-luck losses.

The scoreless tie was broken in the seventh inning when Christian Walker launched a solo home run off Paul Skenes. The first baseman's eighth homer of the season put the Astros ahead 1-0. Houston added insurance in the ninth when Isaac Paredes hit a two-run home run off Pirates reliever Dennis Santana, extending the lead to 3-0.

Astros relievers Shawn Dubin, Bryan Abreu, and Josh Hader completed the shutout, combining with McCullers for a four-hitter. Hader secured his 16th save opportunity of the season.

Houston took the opener of the three-game series, marking their seventh win in the past nine games.

This was the Astros' sixth shutout of the year, while the Pirates were blanked for the 10th time in 61 games.

Key Moment

In the eighth inning, with the Pirates trailing 1-0 and runners on first and second with one out, Oneil Cruz grounded into a forceout. He was then caught stealing to end the scoring threat.

Key Stat

Paul Skenes has now pitched at least eight innings three times in his MLB career, and the Pirates have lost all three games.

Up Next

The series continues on Wednesday night. Houston is expected to start rookie right-hander Ryan Gusto (3-2, 4.62 ERA) against Pittsburgh rookie right-hander Mike Burrows (0-1, 8.64 ERA).

In Summary

Game: Houston Astros at Pittsburgh Pirates

Date: June 3, 2025

Final Score: Houston Astros 3, Pittsburgh Pirates 0

Winning Pitcher: Lance McCullers Jr. (1-1)

Losing Pitcher: Paul Skenes (4-6)

Key Plays: Christian Walker solo home run (7th inning), Isaac Paredes two-run home run (9th inning)

Astros Notables: McCullers' first win since 2022, 6 shutout innings; Josh Hader's 16th save; 6th team shutout of the season.

Pirates Notables: Skenes' strong outing (8 IP, 1 R) despite the loss; 10th time being shut out this season.

Series Status: Houston leads the three-game series 1-0.

Related Links

• Houston Astros News & Updates
• Houston Astros Schedule & Scores
• Pittsburgh Pirates News & Updates
• Pittsburgh Pirates Schedule & Scores
• MLB News