Yadier Molina swings hitting his 1,000 career hit in the second inning against the New York Mets. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

Yadier Molina picked up his 1,000th career hit, which helped lead to a three run rally in the second inning and starter pitcher Jaime Garcia took a shutout into the eighth inning as the Cardinals beat the New York Mets 5-1 and stayed tied for the top wild card spot in the National League.

As far as Garcia, he continues to pitch well at Busch Stadium improving to 18-11 with a 2.42 ERA during his career.

Daniel Descalso and David Freese had two hits and an RBI apiece for the Cardinals, who are 42-26 at home for the second-best mark in the National League. St. Louis will go for a three-game sweep Wednesday with Adam Wainwright facing 17-game winner R.A. Dickey.

Matt Holliday left the game with lower back stiffness. He’ll be listed as day to day.