Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals won their third straight game behind Paul DeJong’s two-run homer and Yadier Molina’s two-run single, handing the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves a fourth consecutive loss. Austin Gomber pitched five effective innings as the Cardinals won their 36th game since the All-Star break.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pinch-hitter Ryan Lavarnway drove in the winning run with a single in the 11th inning, Jameson Taillon struck out a career-high 11 and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Kansas City Royals 2-1. It was just the second at-bat of the season for the 30-year-old Lavarnway, the Pirates’ fourth-string catcher. He hit .288 in 77 games in with Triple-A Indianapolis. Lavarnway has played 142 career games with five teams.

UNDATED (AP) — Iowa believes it has the defense to compete for the Big Ten West title. What the Hawkeyes really need to do is sort out their passing game. After sluggish efforts in its first two games, Iowa threw for 338 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-14 win over Northern Iowa last week. It was an encouraging sign heading into Saturday’s game against No. 18 Wisconsin.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Celia Barquin Arozamena was a top amateur golfer from Spain who was finishing her degree at Iowa State University. Collin Daniel Richards was a former inmate from small-town Iowa with a history of violence. Investigators say their contrasting lives intersected in the most violent way when Richards allegedly attacked and stabbed Barquin to death at a golf course on Monday.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Zeb Noland always understood his responsibility as Iowa State’s backup quarterback. Be prepared, because you never when you’ll become the starter. It has happened to Noland twice and he has responded both times, most recently with a career-best performance in the Cyclones’ 37-27 loss to No. 5 Oklahoma. He has kept the starting job this week as Iowa State prepares for Saturday’s home game against Akron.