CINCINNATI (AP) — Allen Craig and Yadier Molina homered during a six-run sixth inning on Friday night, and the defending World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals opened a defining road trip by beating the Cincinnati Reds 8-5 and moving six games back of the NL Central leaders.
The Cardinals’ big comeback off Mat Latos (10-4) started a 10-day trip against the Reds, Pirates and Nationals.
Cincinnati knocked starter Lance Lynn out of the game in the third inning. Joe Kelly (4-5) fanned six in three innings of relief. Jason Motte pitched the ninth for his 30th save in 35 chances.
It’s also important weekend for the Reds, who are retiring Hall of Famer Barry Larkin’s No. 11 on Saturday. It was stamped in chalk behind second base for the series opener.
