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Molina powers Cardinals past Braves

Sports

September 11th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

ST. LOUIS (AP) – Yadier Molina had three hits, including a three-run double, and the St. Louis Cardinals moved back into the playoff picture by completing a three-game  sweep of the slumping Atlanta Braves with a 6-3 win Sunday. The Cardinals pulled within 4 1/2 games of NL wild card-leading Atlanta. They have 16 games left and open a three-game set in Pittsburgh on Monday. The Braves start a three-game series with the Marlins on Monday and have 15 games remaining. Atlanta has dropped seven straight games at Busch Stadium and hasn’t won in St. Louis since Sept. 13, 2009. Jake Westbrook (12-8) allowed two runs and five hits in 5 1-3 innings for the Cardinals. Jason Motte pitched a scoreless ninth for his fifth save in eight chances.