CINCINNATI • The Cardinals had scored only four runs, all on solo homers, over the last three games, all of which had been losses. They tallied again via the home run in the second inning Sunday but, at least, Randal Grichuk’s two-out drive to right came with a man on.
Grichuk’s 21st homer and ninth since his recall from Class AAA Memphis 3 ½ weeks ago, pushed across Stephen Piscotty, who had opened the inning with a double off Cincinnati rookie Tim Adleman. Yadier Molina’s fly ball to right had advanced Piscotty to third, but Greg Garcia, who had reached base eight times in a row, struck out.