Yadier Molina belted a three-run homer to back a strong start by Jake Westbrook, leading the St. Louis Cardinals to a 3-0 win over Cincinnati in the rubber match of a three-game series.
Cardinals Vs. Reds: Molina’s Three-Run Homer Helps St. Louis In Rubber Match
Westbrook (2-2) yielded just three hits and three walks in six innings, striking out four to help St. Louis win for the fourth time in five games.
Fernando Salas, Eduardo Sanchez and Mitchell Boggs set down nine of the final 10 batters to preserve the Cardinals' third shutout of the season. Boggs worked around a Joey Votto double in the ninth to record his third save.
Molina's blast off Edinson Volquez (2-1) in the sixth inning was one of seven St. Louis hits. Molina and Lance Berkman had two apiece.
Volquez lasted one more batter after surrendering Molina’s homer, taking the loss in 5 2/3 innings. He gave up six hits and three walks, striking out seven.
St. Louis leads the National League Central by a 1/2 game over Milwaukee and one game over Cincinnati...The Cardinals are headed to Houston for a three- game series that starts Tuesday, while the Reds begin a three-game set in Milwaukee on Monday.
For more on the Cardinals, visit St. Louis blog Viva El Birdos. For more on the Reds, visit Cincy blog Red Reporter.
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