Devin Mesoraco takes a cut against Michael Wacha (photo/MLB)

Devin Mesoraco takes a cut against Michael Wacha (photo/MLB)

Michael Wacha made his second start since returning from a shoulder problem since mid-June and gave up six hits, six runs and three walks.  The Cardinals lost 9-5, but benefit from losses by Pittsburgh and Milwaukee.

Devin Mesoraco homered and drove in three runs for Cincinnati, and Mike Leake pitched into the seventh inning and doubled home a run.  Mesoraco also doubled a run home in the fifth as Cincinnati scored four times, sending Wacha to the bench.

As usual, the Cardinals made it interesting.  Down 7-1, the Cardinals sent nine batters in the seventh. Tony Cruz and Jon Jay had RBI singles, and Jhonny Peralta walked with the bases loaded, cutting it to 7-4.

In the ninth, Aroldis Chapman came in with two on and two outs got Mark Ellis on a 101 mph fastball to end it for his 31st save.

Wacha continues to try to find his way back.  He threw 70 pitches on Tuesday, 44 for strikes.