Cardinal starter Andy Benes made his first start since April yesterday afternoon. He lasted four innings, allowing two runs. He walked three and struck out four. It was 2-2 in the seventh inning, when Mike Matheny bunted. Dodger pitcher Hideo Nomo’s throw to first went wild, scoring Edgar Renteria and Eli Marrero. St. Louis scored three in the inning and four more in the eighth. Luther Hackman got the win in relief. Renteria had four hits and two RBI’s as the Birds remained three and a half games in front of the Reds in the N.L. Central.