ST. LOUIS — — Dakota Hudsonpitched seven strong innings in his second start of the season and Alex Burleson hit a three-run homer, leading the resurgent St. Louis Cardinalsto a 7-3 win over the AL Central-leading Minnesota Twins on Wednesday night.
Lars Nootbaar added a two-run homer and Tyler O’Neill and Jordan Walker added solo homers for the Cardinals.
Hudson worked seven innings, allowed just three runs on two hits, striking out seven to climb to 2-0.
Joe Ryan (9-8) surrendered nine hits and seven runs in four innings in facing the Cardinals for the first time in his career.
Tyler O’Neill, Jordan Walker and Lars Nootbaar all went deep for the resurgent Cardinals.
RHP Miles Mikolas dropped his appeal Wednesday and will begin serving a five-game suspension. He now will start Tuesday (Aug. 8) on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays.
INF Brendan Donovan underwent an internal brace procedure — an alternative to ligament replacement or Tommy John surgery — Wednesday in Texas to address damage in his right elbow. He is expected to be able to take part in spring training next year.
LHP Matthew Liberatore (1-3, 6.75) will start for St. Louis Thursday, 5:50 with the pregame and the first pitch at 6:45 on KIRX.