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With a shot at a playoff spot, Cards continue set with Reds

Sep 20, 2014 - 2:41 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - On the verge of wrapping up a playoff spot, St. Louis is hoping that Michael Wacha can extended an impressive run by Cardinals starters on Saturday night in the middle contest of a three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds.

Wacha will get the start on a 10-day rest after struggling in two outings following an absence caused by a shoulder injury.

Wacha has lasted only seven innings in the two starts, including his last one on Sept. 9 when he gave up six runs -- five earned -- over four innings of work.

However, the 23-year-old righty is coming off encouraging bullpen sessions on Sunday and Wednesday, so he'll start tonight looking to build on his 5-6 mark and 3.14 earned run average through 17 starts this year.

Wacha is 1-1 in his career versus the Reds with a 2.03 ERA.

The Cardinals picked up a 2-1 win over the Reds last night and have a magic number of seven to clinch the National League Central, which they lead by 2 1/2 games over the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, a victory tonight and a loss by the Milwaukee Brewers to the Pirates would ensure St. Louis at least a wild card spot.

St. Louis has won six of its last seven games and has seen its starters allow one run or fewer in five innings or more over eight straight outings. John Lackey continued that impressive run with 7 2/3 innings of work last night, scattering a run on six hits with five strikeouts.

Randal Grichuk and Matt Holliday hit back-to-back homers in the first inning for the Cards before the Reds countered with a run in the second frame on Zack Cozart's single to right.

Cincinnati threatened in the ninth when Trevor Rosenthal walked a batter and gave up a single around a strikeout, prompting manager Mike Matheny to bring in Randy Choate. He struck out Jay Bruce and Seth Maness came in and got Ryan Ludwick to fly out to center.

"I think there is definitely skill in winning tight games," Lackey said. "This team has it."

The Reds, meanwhile, have scored four runs during a five-game skid.

"It's a broken record, we're just not scoring enough runs," said Reds manager Bryan Price.

Getting the start for the Reds will be Mike Leake, who has allowed three runs over six innings in back-to-back starts but with different results.

The right-hander beat St. Louis on Sept. 9, giving up eight hits and striking out six without a walk in a 9-5 decision. However, he then gave up another eight hits but also walked three batters in Sunday's 9-2 setback at Milwaukee.

"I was trying to find the zone and trying to hit spots, but it was not easy today," said Leake, who fell to 11-12 with a 3.65 ERA this year following the loss to the Brewers.

Leake is 4-5 lifetime versus the Cardinals with a 4.73 ERA.

The Cardinals are 11-6 versus the Reds this season, though lost three of four to the club in Cincinnati recently from Sept. 8-11.