712 Digital Group - top

Cards hit 3 HRs, top Reds, move closer to playoffs

Sports

September 21st, 2014 by Ric Hanson

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Tony Cruz hit a three-run homer and the St. Louis Cardinals connected three times, beating the Cincinnati Reds 8-4 on Saturday night and moving closer to their fourth straight playoff berth. The Cardinals cut their magic number to one for clinching a postseason berth. The magic number is six for their second NL Central title in a row.

Kolten Wong and Randal Grichuk also homered as St. Louis won for the seventh time in eight games. Cincinnati has lost six in row and been outscored 30-8 in that stretch. Jason Motte (1-0) needed just three pitches and one out to earn the win. Mike Leake (11-13) took the loss.