Cardinals Continue August Surge

The St. Louis Cardinals won their fifth straight on Monday as Edgar Renteria’s 8th-inning single plated the tying and go-ahead runs, Cards beat the Cincinnati Reds 3-2. The Cardinals scored all their runs in that eighth inning, making a winner out of Andy Benes (7-6). He retired the only batter he faced out of the bullpen. Bud Smith had to settle for a no-decision despite allowing just two runs in seven innings of work. With the win, the Cardinals move to within 4 1/2 games of the Houston Astros for first place in the National League Central. Houston beat the Cubs last night 9-5 to leapfrog Chicago in the standings.