Bruce homers to back DeSclafani as Reds blank Cardinals

ST. LOUIS -- Jay Bruce homered in the second to back Anthony DeSclafani's seven innings of three-hit ball, and the Cincinnati Reds shut out the St. Louis Cardinals for the second straight night with 1-0 victory on Wednesday.

The Reds ended a nine-series losing streak in St. Louis and have won consecutive games at Busch Stadium for the first time since July 6 and Sept. 2, 2011. It was the first time Cincinnati won consecutive games in the same series since June 2006.

Bruce's 17th home run moved him ahead of Barry Larkin into ninth in franchise history with 199 homers.

DeSclafani (6-7) did the rest, walking three and striking out three. Aroldis Chapman collected his 21st save in 22 opportunities.

The Cardinals squandered another strong outing from John Lackey (9-6), who gave up two hits in eight innings and has posted a 1.67 ERA during his last nine outings.

The Cardinals have been shut out for 22 straight innings and have scored in just one of the past 30 innings.

Adding to their problems, outfielder Matt Holliday left the game with a right quad strain after pulling up lame running to first on a double play that ended the first inning. It is the same injury that sidelined Holliday for 31 games earlier this season.

Holliday, a seven-time All-Star, is hitting .290 with four home runs and 31 RBIs.

Holliday was replaced in the lineup by Mark Reynolds, who entered the game at first base, while Stephen Piscotty moved to left field.

Trainer's room

Cardinals: RHP Jordan Walden (right bicep) began a rehab stint at Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday, pitching two-thirds of an inning in his first work since going on the disabled list on April 30. Walden threw 15 pitches, gave up a hit and a walk and struck out one in a scoreless outing.

Up next

Reds: LHP David Holmberg (NR) will make his major league debut today to kick off a four-game series at home against Pittsburgh. Holmberg's presence means four of the five starters in the rotation are rookies.

Cardinals: RHP Carlos Martinez (11-4, 2.34 ERA) is seeking his 11th straight quality start as the Cardinals cap an 11-game homestand with a four-game series against the Rockies starting today.