Verlander strikes out 13 as Astros blank Indians

CLEVELAND — Justin Verlander struck out 13 to reach double figures for the third straight start and sixth time this season, leading the Houston Astros over the Cleveland Indians 2-0 on Tuesday night.

Verlander (14-4) outpitched Shane Bieber and won his fourth consecutive start, tying Washington’s Stephen Strasburg for the major league lead in wins. Verlander allowed two hits in seven innings and walked none.

He allowed one runner to reach second. Cleveland’s only hits were singles by Roberto Pérez leading off the third and Greg Allen starting the sixth.

Cleveland struck out 15 times. Will Harris fanned two in a perfect eighth and Roberto Osuna followed with a 1-2-3 ninth for his 24th save in 28 chances.

Bieber (10-4) gave up two runs and nine hits in seven innings with eight strikeouts and one walk.

Robinson Chirinos hit a go-ahead homer in the two-run fifth, Michael Brantley had an RBI single and AL West-leading Houston won its third straight.

Cardinals 2, Cubs 1

ST. LOUIS — Paul Goldschmidt homered for the seventh time in eight games, a go-ahead drive off Yu Darvish in the sixth inning that lifted St. Louis into sole possession of the NL Central lead.

Goldschmidt hit a fastball from Darvish (3-5) to center for his 25th home run this season.

St. Louis (57-49) dropped out of first place on May 7 but has held at least a share of the lead since Thursday and moved one game ahead of the Cubs (56-50).

Giovanny Gallegos (3-1) earned the win in relief of Adam Wainwright, who allowed one run and five hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Braves 11, Nationals 8

WASHINGTON — Adam Duvall had two home runs and four hits, Josh Donaldson added a three-run homer and the Atlanta beat Washington to reopen a 5 1/2game lead in the NL East.

Julio Teheran (6-7) allowed two runs and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings for Atlanta.

Erick Fedde (1-2) allowed nine runs, nine hits and four walks in 3 2/3 innings.

Ozzie Albies and Ender Inciarte each had three hits for Atlanta.

Yan Gomes, Trea Turner and Juan Soto homered for the Nationals.

The Associated Press LUCKY 13: Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander delivers in the first inning of Tuesday’s game against the Cleveland Indians in Cleveland.