United Group Insurance

Martinez, Heyward, Cardinals beat Reds for 4th win in row

Sports

April 18th, 2015 by Ric Hanson

ST. LOUIS (AP) – Carlos Martinez pitched six strong innings and Jason Heyward hit his first home run for St. Louis, leading the Cardinals over the Cincinnati Reds 5-2 Saturday for their fourth straight win. Matt Carpenter drove in a pair of runs as the NL Central champion Cardinals kept winning after a 3-3 start.

Zack Cozart homered for the Reds, who have lost three in a row and six of seven. Cincinnati speedster Billy Hamilton left in the eighth inning after beating out an infield single. Martinez (1-0) gave up one run on three hits, striking out four and walking two.

Trevor Rosenthal picked up his fourth save in as many opportunities. He struck out Joey Votto with two on to end the game. Homer Bailey (0-1) surrendered five runs and nine hits over 5 2-3 innings. He made his first start after beginning the season on the disabled list while recovering from surgery on a torn flexor tendon.

Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday left Saturday’s game against Cincinnati in the bottom of the first inning because of tightness in his back. Holliday doubled and scored before leaving. He has hit safely in all 10 games for St. Louis this season, and his double was his first extra-base hit. He is batting .363. Jon Jay moved from center to left field and Peter Bourjos entered the game.