Cardinals Recap: Michael Wacha solid, but Braves take finale

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33. Final. 2. 17. 2

Looking for a sweep, the St. Louis Cardinals fell short on Sunday, as the Atlanta Braves took the series finale at Busch Stadium by a 3-2 final.


Atlanta outfielder Adonis Garcia came through in the top of the sixth against St. Louis starter Michael Wacha, breaking a 2-2 tie with a solo blast that put the Braves ahead for good.

Despite the loss, St. Louis (63-35) has won seven of its last 10 ballgames, thanks to a five-game winning streak that drew to a close on Sunday at Busch Stadium. Wacha, meanwhile, was still impressive, despite being saddled with his fourth loss of the season.

Wacha (11-4, 3.27) was tagged for three earned in just six innings of work, scattering five hits and striking out five while walking a trio of Atlanta hitters.

The Cardinals made things interesting after falling into an early hole in the finale, after Ryan Lavarnway doubled in the second and Cameron Maybin plated a run later in the second to give Atlanta a 2-0 edge.

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In the fourth, St. Louis got on the board when rookie Stephen Piscotty grounded a ball in the hole between third and short. Outfielder Eury Perez came up throwing with Jason Heyward rounding third and heading for home.

After Heyward was initially called ‘out,’ manager Mike Matheny challenged the ruling, which was overturned, pulling the Cardinals within one, 2-1.

In the fifth, veteran outfielder Matt Holliday doubled to right field, scoring Kolten Wong and tying the game at two apiece.

Atlanta starter Matt Wisler turned in seven innings of two-run ball, outdueling the Cardinals’ All-Star right-hander. Jim Johnson nailed things down in the ninth, earning his ninth save of the season for the Braves.

What’s Next:

St. Louis hosts the struggling Cincinnati Reds on Monday night.

Right-hander Lance Lynn (7-5, 2.80) will take the ball for the Cardinals in the series opener and will be opposed by Reds’ righty Raisel Iglesias (1-2, 5.45).

First pitch is set for 7:15 p.m. CT.

Next: Cardinals acquire reliever Cishek from Miami

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