Cardinals win second straight series behind back-to-back extra-inning victories

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (KMIZ)

After losing its series-opener, the Cardinals bounced back to win two straight extra-inning thrillers to clinch a series victory over the division-leading Brewers. St. Louis left Milwaukee with a 3-2 victory on Wednesday night, improving its overall record to 71-69.

The Redbirds scored two runs in the first inning on a pair of bases loaded walks but did not put another run on the scoreboard until extra innings. The Brewers took advantage of that silent St. Louis offensive effort to tie the game with a fielder's choice from Joey Ortiz and a solo home run from Eric Haase to force extra innings. However, Luken Baker snapped the Cardinals' eight-inning scoreless streak with a go-ahead RBI single, and Ryan Fernandez held Milwaukee scoreless in the home half of the 10th frame to seal the series win.

Sonny Gray pitched seven innings, allowing just one run on four hits while tallying seven strikeouts. Andrew Kittredge earned the win after tossing 1.2 innings in relief, giving up zero hits and posting a pair of strikeouts. Then, Fernandez got the save after striking out three of the four batters he faced in a hitless 10th inning for Milwaukee.

The Cardinals still trail the Brewers by 10 games in the National League Central Division but remain within striking distance in the wild card race, sitting 5.5 games behind Atlanta for the final spot in the postseason picture. The Mets and Cubs are also ahead of St. Louis in the wild card standings.

Up next - Seattle is one of two opponents left on the Redbirds' schedule that's above or has a .500 record this season. The Cardinals welcome the Mariners to St. Louis for a three-game set, starting on Friday, Sept. 6 at 7:15 p.m.