Yadier Molina congratulates Jaime Garcia on his first major league shutout. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

Cardinals rookie starter Jaime Garcia pitched his first major league shutout has he mowed down the San Francisco Giants for a 9-0 win on Sunday at Busch Stadium.

Garcia struck out six and allowed just three hits, using just 89 pitches to get through the game as he moves to 11-6. The win keeps pace with the Reds who also won as the Cardinals trail by 3.5 games.

Allen Craig hit his second home run, a two run shot off Barry Zito who couldn’t make it out of the fourth inning. Craig drove in three runs on the day. Jon Jay, getting the start in centerfield went 3 for 4.

Tony LaRussa and Jaime Garcia on his performance