Slumping Cardinals drop weekend series at home to MLB's worst team

ST. LOUIS -- Mike Foltynewicz set the tone for the capper of the Atlanta Braves' feel-good weekend.

The right-hander worked six strong innings, Nick Markakis and Erick Aybar had two RBIs apiece and the Braves kept the St. Louis Cardinals down at home with a 6-3 victory on Sunday.

Matt Kemp added two hits and an RBI to help the Braves take two of three, outscoring the Cardinals 19-8 the last two games. Atlanta has the worst record in the majors at 41-70, but has won seven of its last 11 overall.

Counting a six-run ninth, they scored 12 runs in three innings.

"The guys are something else, I tell you," interim manager Brian Snitker said.

Adam Wainwright (9-6) had a rare off-day against Atlanta, surrendering three runs in the first and second. He entered 8-2 with a 2.95 ERA against the Braves, who drafted him in the first round in 2000 and traded him to St. Louis in 2003 in a deal for J.D. Drew.

"We needed to win that game," Wainwright said. "I'm sorry we didn't, that was my fault, but the luck was certainly not on my side and sometimes you need it."

The Cardinals are just 26-32 at home after going 55-26 last season, but have been good on the road at 32-21. They've lost 12 series at home.

Cardinals manager Mike Matheny, left, talks with starting pitcher Adam Wainwright during the bottom of the second inning Sunday in St. Louis. Wainwright gave up three runs to the Braves in each of the first two innings in a 6-3 loss.Tom Gannam ~ Associated Press

"It's pretty dadgum dark, but nobody in this clubhouse is quitting," Wainwright said. "We just need our starting pitcher to go out there and not give up six in the first two innings and give the team a good chance."

Brandon Moss had a sacrifice fly and double and Yadier Molina had three hits and an RBI for St. Louis.

Foltynewicz (5-5) gave up a run and six hits, plus singled and scored his first career run in the second. In his previous three outings, he allowed 14 earned runs in 16 1-3 innings.

The big cushion certainly helped.

"It was awesome to see a lead like that, especially with their ace," Foltynewicz said. "That's what starting pitchers should do -- that's your job to get deep into games and give your team the best chance to win."

Jim Johnson earned his eighth save in 11 chances.

After needing 61 pitches to get through the first two innings, Wainwright finished strong with four scoreless innings. But the Cardinals stranded five runners the first two innings.

Trainer's room

Cardinals: Second baseman Matt Carpenter was not in the lineup a day after getting removed with apparent side muscle difficulties. He was activated off the DL on Friday after missing 24 games with a strained right oblique.

Up next

Cardinals: Michael Wacha (7-7, 4.35) has won his last five decisions heading into the opener of a three-game series against the Reds.