Milwaukee, WI (Sports Network) - Corey Hart hit a two-run single during a
four-run first inning Wednesday and the Milwaukee Brewers held on for a 4-3
victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
Francisco Rodriguez escaped trouble for the second straight day since being
named closer, giving up a run in the ninth inning before pitching out of a
bases-loaded jam for his third save.
The Brewers squeezed out one-run victories in each of the last two games to
win the three-game series.
Tyler Thornburg threw 4 2/3 innings in his second career start, but former
closer John Axford (3-6) earned the win with 1 1/3 innings of relief.
Thornburg, who was seeking his first career win, gave up five hits, including
solo homers to David Freese and Allen Craig, and struck out five with four
walks.
He started in place of Zack Greinke, who was skipped in the rotation after the
rare feat of starting three straight games for the Brewers before and after
the All-Star break.
Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright (7-10) was a hard-luck loser after striking
out nine, walking none and giving up just four hits in seven innings. Three of
the runs charged to him in a sloppy first inning were unearned.
The Brewers played without reigning NL MVP Ryan Braun, who left Tuesday's game
with a groin strain.
The Sports Network