ST. LOUIS (AP) — Carlos Martinez pitched seven sharp innings, Matt Holliday hit an emotional home run and the St. Louis Cardinals stayed in the middle of the NL wild-card race, beating the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-0 Friday night.

The Cardinals began the day trailing San Francisco by one game for the second NL wild-card spot. The Giants played host to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Martinez (16-9) gave up five singles, walked one and struck out nine.

Holliday, out since Aug. 12 because of a thumb injury, was activated off the disabled list at his request Friday. The club informed him earlier this week that it is not planning to bring him back next season.

Holliday was given a standing ovation before he pinch-hit in the seventh. He responded with his 20th home run, and came out for a curtain call.

Jedd Gyorko hit his 29th homer and Brandon Moss hit his 28th for the Cardinals.

Tyler Glasnow (0-2) finished his rookie season with his most effective start, working five innings and giving up Gyorko’s homer. Glasnow did not allow another Cardinal past second.