Cincinnati Reds Juan Francisco claps at first base after hitting a RBI single driving in the winning run in the tenth inning. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

Juan Francisco finished off a career-best four-hit day with an RBI single in the 10th inning as the Cincinnati Reds beat the Cardinals 3-2 on Sunday, taking two of three from the Redbirds who now trail Milwaukee by 9.5 games after the Brewers swept Houston.

Jon Jay homered and Daniel Descalso had an RBI triple for the Cardinals. The Cards had chances, but went 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position and 2 for 20 with men on base.

Fernando Salas took the loss for the Cardinals. Edwin Jackson went seven innings allowing two runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out eight. His only blemish was a two run homer to former Cardinal Edgar Renteria.



Missourinet