The Cardinals fell short in their attempt to sweep the Mets, losing 7-2 on Sunday at Busch Stadium. Pedro Martinez lasted eight innings for New York to get his 14th win of the season.
Martinez had a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the eighth, when the Cardinals scored their only two runs of the game. Hector Luna drove in a run with a double and John Gall drove in a run with a fielder’s choice.
Cardinals’ starter Matt Morris fell to 14-8 on the season, lasting 6 1/3 innings and giving up four runs off nine hits and two walks. It was his third straight loss.
St. Louis’ magic number is down to six, despite the loss—Houston lost to Milwaukee 7-2.