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Reds blank Cardinals; Holliday injured Wednesday

Sports

July 30th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Jay Bruce homered in the second to back Anthony DeSclafani’s seven innings of three-hit ball, and the Cincinnati Reds shut out the St. Louis Cardinals for the second straight night, 1-0 on Wednesday. The Reds ended a nine-series losing streak in St. Louis and have won consecutive games at Busch Stadium for the first time since July 6 and Sept. 2, 2011. It was the first time Cincinnati won consecutive games in the same series since June 2006.

Bruce’s 17th home run moved him ahead of Barry Larkin to ninth in franchise history with 199 homers. DeSclafani (6-7) did the rest, walking three and striking out three. Aroldis Chapman collected his 21st save in 22 opportunities. The Cardinals squandered another strong outing from John Lackey (9-6), who gave up two hits in eight innings and has posted a 1.67 ERA during his last nine outings.

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ST. LOUIS (AP) — St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday left Wednesday night’s game with the Cincinnati Reds with a right quad strain after pulling up while running to first base on a double play that ended the first inning. It is the same injury that sidelined Holliday for 31 games earlier this season. The Cardinals announced that an update on Holliday’s condition would be made Thursday. Holliday, a seven-time All-Star, is hitting .290 with four home runs and 31 RBIs. Holliday was replaced in the lineup by Mark Reynolds, who entered the game at first base, while Stephen Piscotty moved to left field.