Randal Grichuk hit an RBI single in the top of the tenth and Zach Duke left the bases loaded to preserve the Cardinals 2-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on Tuesday night.

With the Cubs 3-0 win over the Pirates, the Cardinals increased their lead to 2 1/2 games on Pittsburgh and the Mets in the Wild Card.  Miami is 3 1/2 out.

Adam Wainwright had his best fastball of the season, being more aggressive early in the count and Wainwright gave up three hits and one run in seven innings. He struck out seven and didn’t walk a batter.

Jedd Gyorko broke the scoreless tie with a two-out home run in the sixth. The Cardinals have homered in 19 consecutive games, tying a franchise record set in July 2006.