CINCINNATI (AP) – Devin Mesoraco homered and drove in three runs, and Mike Leake pitched into the seventh inning and doubled home a run, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 9-5 victory on Tuesday night that ended their six-game losing streak against the St. Louis Cardinals. The NL Central leaders lost for only the second time in 11 games and maintained their 4 1/2-game lead over Pittsburgh. St. Louis is 10-4 against the Reds and 40-25 overall in the division.

The Reds won for the third time in 11 games. They are 17-33 since the All-Star break, a slide that has dropped them out of contention. Leake was coming off his worst start of the season, giving up a season-high seven runs and three homers during a 9-7 loss in Baltimore last Thursday. Against the Cardinals, Leake allowed three runs and eight hits.