CINCINNATI (AP) – Matt Holliday had four hits and four RBIs to help the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-2 on Sunday.  Allen Craig homered and drove in three runs as St. Louis handed the Reds just their second series loss in 13 sets since the All-Star break. The Cardinals have won five of six to move within six games of the NL Central-leading Reds.  St. Louis’ 17 hits are the most allowed by Cincinnati in one game this season.  St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright (13-10) allowed two runs and six hits in 5 2-3 innings. He also hit a batter.

CINCINNATI (AP) – Brandon Phillips hit his first home run in August, Mike Leake pitched effectively into the seventh inning and the Cincinnati Reds beat the St. Louis Cardinals 8-2 on Saturday to strengthen their hold on the top spot in the NL Central.

Phillips and Ryan Ludwick had three hits apiece and Jay Bruce added a two-run homer as Cincinnati regained a seven-game lead over second-place St. Louis, which rallied to win the series opener 8-5 on Friday night.

Leake (6-8) allowed at least one hit in every inning except one, but kept the Cardinals mostly at bay. Leake, who also had two hits, lasted 6 2-3 innings, allowing 10 hits and two runs.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Rookie quarterback Russell Wilson staked his claim to the starting job in Seattle on Friday night, throwing for 185 yards and two touchdowns while leading the Seahawks to a 44-14 rout of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Wilson has been competing for the job with Matt Flynn, who was held out of the game with a sore elbow, and he got a lot of help from the rest of the Seahawks.

Earl Thomas intercepted Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel and returned it 75 yards for a touchdown, and Golden Tate returned a punt 92 yards for another score.

The Seahawks (No. 22 in the AP Pro 32) are unbeaten in the preseason. Kansas City (No. 18) has dropped two straight after beating Arizona.