Jason Heyward’s bases loaded double in the third inning put Atlanta on top to stay as the Braves swept the three game series by beating the Cardinals 7-4. Starting pitcher Lance Lynn took the loss and failed to pick up his seventh win of the season.
It was Heyward’s hit that killed Lynn, it was the two walks he allowed before the hit. After striking out pitcher Tommy Hanson and leadoff hitter Michael Bourn, Lynn gave up a two-out single and two walks loading the bases for Heyward.
The Cardinals made a late rally. Carlos Beltran homered for the sixth time in six games and has a league-leading 13. Allen Craig hit a three-run homer in the ninth for his third hit of the game and fifth homer in seven games. Rafael Furcal had three hits and a walk to extend his hitting streak to 12 games, but the NL Central leaders struck out 14 times and stranded 10 runners while getting swept for the first time.
