Joe Kelly silenced the Pirates on one run over six innings Sunday and the St. Louis Cardinals pulled into a first-place tie with a 7-2 defeat of Pittsburgh.

Kelly (7-3) allowed four hits and two walks while striking out five, helping the Cards snap a three-game losing streak.

Matt Holliday and David Freese each drove in a pair of runs as St. Louis avoided sweep by its division rival, knotting the Bucs atop the National League Central with identical 79-57 records.

Kris Johnson (0-2) was hung with the loss, surrendering five runs on seven hits through just two full innings.

Marlon Byrd and John Buck each provided an RBI for Pittsburgh.