Lance McCullers Jr. Secures First Win Since 2022 Against Pirates

PITTSBURGH — Lance McCullers Jr. returned to form on June 3, 2025, marking his first win since 2022 as the Houston Astros defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-0. McCullers, who had been sidelined for two seasons due to injuries, conquered the mound in a striking performance, throwing six shutout innings.

Facing the Pirates’ star rookie, Paul Skenes, McCullers was impressive, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out seven batters. Despite strong performances in previous games, this marked McCullers’ first win after a long and arduous journey back to baseball.

The game was tightly contested, with neither team able to score through the first six innings. In the seventh inning, Christian Walker hit a solo home run, breaking the scoreless tie. Walker’s eighth home run of the season came on a first-pitch sweeper from Skenes, energizing the Astros.

As the Pirates looked to rally, they faced challenges in the eighth inning. With two runners on base and one out, Skenes struck out a batter before the inning ended with a steal attempt gone wrong.

Houston sealed the game in the ninth inning when Isaac Paredes hit a two-run homer off Pirates closer Dennis Santana, solidifying the Astros’ victory as their bullpen held the Pirates scoreless. This win not only added to McCullers’ legacy but also emphasized his resilience after a challenging hiatus.

“It took a while, but we got there,” McCullers said after the game. “I’m just happy that I’m kind of back in the mix with the guys.” With this milestone win, McCullers aims to continue showcasing his talent and determination on the mound, signaling a promising future ahead.