St. Louis, MO (Sports Network) - St. Louis scored often and early to keep some
distance in the wild card chase with a 12-2 victory over Washington in the
opener of a three-game set.
With five games to go, the Cardinals now hold a 3 1/2-game lead over the Los
Angeles Dodgers for the final wild card spot in the National League. The
Dodgers are leading early against the Rockies.
Allen Craig went 4-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored while Yadier Molina
and Shane Robinson each hit a solo home run for the Cardinals, who have won
five of six.
Adam Wainwright (14-13) was the beneficiary of some early run support and
pitched well himself, giving up just one run on five hits over six innings to
win for the first time since Aug. 26. He went 0-3 in his previous five starts.
Roger Bernadina hit a solo home run and Adam LaRoche drove in the other run
for the Nationals, who had won their previous two. Edwin Jackson (9-11) was
lit up for nine runs -- eight earned -- on seven hits in just 1 1/3 innings.
Washington is now tied with Cincinnati for the best record in the majors.
Cincinnati got a no-hitter from Homer Bailey in a 1-0 win against Pittsburgh
on Friday.
The Sports Network