CINCINNATI (AP) — Alfredo Simon shook off a rough start but lasted seven innings and drove in the go-ahead run with the second of his two doubles as the Cincinnati Reds rallied for a 4-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday night. Ryan Ludwick hit a solo home run to help the Reds win back-to-back games for the first time since Aug. 27-28 against the Chicago Cubs. The Central Division-leading Cardinals hadn’t sustained consecutive defeats since a four-game losing streak from Aug. 26-30.

Simon allowed five hits and two runs with three walks and five strikeouts for his second win in eight decisions over 11 starts since the All-Star break. Sam LeCure and Ryan Dennick pitched the eighth, and Aroldis Chapman worked a perfect ninth for his 32nd save. Terry Lyons took the loss after Cardinals starter John Lackey was ejected in the third inning for arguing balls and strikes.

CARDINALS-LACKEY EJECTED…

CINCINNATI (AP) — St. Louis Cardinals pitcher John Lackey was ejected from his start against the Cincinnati Reds in the third inning. Lackey appeared to question several ball-strike calls by plate umpire Tom Hallion before a 2-1 pitch to Brayan Pena was called a ball with the score 2-all on Wednesday night. The right-hander apparently questioned that call, and Hallion — the crew chief — ejected him.

Lackey allowed four hits and two runs with two walks and one strikeout. Left-hander Tyler Lyons replaced him.