Dakota Hudson pitched seven strong innings in his second start of the season and Alex Burleson hit a three-run homer, leading the St. Louis Cardinals to 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. St. Louis had lost four of its previous five games and eight of 11 before busting out against the Twins.

Matt Wallner hit a three-run homer for the Twins in the seventh. It was just the second hit allowed by Hudson.

Hudson (2-0) struck out seven with three walks and one hit batter. The 28-year-old right-hander retired the first 11 batters he faced before issuing a walk in the fourth. Hudson gave up a one-out hit in the sixth inning when Michael Taylor singled up the middle on his 64th pitch.

Joe Ryan (9-8) surrendered nine hits and seven runs in four innings in facing the Cardinals for the first time in his career. He threw 103 pitches and struck four while walking one.

Miles Mikolas dropped his appeal Wednesday and will begin serving a five-game suspension. MLB suspended Mikolas last Thursday after he hit Cubs LF Ian Happ. Mikola was scheduled to start Sunday at home against Colorado. He now will start Tuesday (Aug. 8) on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays. Mikolas was the losing pitcher Tuesday when Minnesota defeated St. Louis 3-2.

Cardinals 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. 

2B Nolan Gorman was back in the lineup after not playing Sunday and Tuesday because of back soreness.

Cardinals LHP Matthew Liberatore (1-3, 6.75) will be making his first career start and appearance against the Twins. The Twins are the seventh different opponent he has faced for the first time in his career this season.