DENVER (AP) _ Carlos Martinez threw five effective innings and added a two-run
double, helping the St. Louis Cardinals gain ground in the NL playoff race with
a 5-3 win over the Colorado Rockies on Monday night.
The Cardinals moved within one game of wild card-leading New York after the
Mets lost to Atlanta. San Francisco played later in Los Angeles against the
Dodgers.
Martinez, who turns 25 on Wednesday, gave himself an early birthday present by
holding Colorado to two runs while striking out six. The right-hander is 9-1 on
the road this season.
Martinez (15-8) helped his own cause with a two-out double as part of a
three-run fourth. He also was hit just below the left leg by a fastball from
Tyler Anderson (5-6) in the third _ two pitches after Randal Grichuk lined a
two-run homer.
Game two of the three-game series is Tuesday night. Adam Wainwright (11-9)
starts for the Cardinals while Jorge De La Rosa (8-8) goes for the Rockies.
Game time is 7:40 with the pre-game at 6:45 on KTLO-AM.
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