Former Cardinals second baseman helps Nationals capture series

ST. LOUIS -- Ronnie Belliard had four hits, including a two-run homer, and the Washington Nationals beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-2 on Sunday.

Leadoff hitter Felipe Lopez added three hits ahead of Belliard, who batted second and made his second start of the year at shortstop. Ryan Langerhans added his first career grand slam -- also his first homer of the season -- off Randy Flores to cap a five-run eighth that included two hits, three walks and a bases-loaded wild pitch.

The Nationals took two of three for their first series win over the Cardinals since 1999, when the franchise was in Montreal. Washington has won five of its last six and 12 of 17.

Scott Spiezio homered in the eighth for St. Louis, which completed a 4-2 homestand.

The Cardinals, who also got a sacrifice fly from Juan Encarnacion in the sixth, have scored three or fewer runs in 20 games. They have won only one of those games.