Molina, Cards get crucial victory

Yadier Molina singled twice to reach 2,000 career hits and the Cardinals began a fivegame series between playoff contenders by beating Milwaukee 42 in St. Louis on Thursday night.

Rookie Dylan Carlson homered, doubled and drove in three runs as the Cardinals (2826) kept their slim lead over Cincinnati (2928) for second place in the NL Central. St. Louis trails division leader Chicago by 21⁄2 games.

Milwaukee (2729) remained a game behind the Giants for the final spot in the NL wildcard races. The Brewers and Cardinals play four more times this weekend, including a doubleheader Friday.

St. Louis starter Kwang Hyun Kim went five innings to pick up the win. He allowed five hits and just one run in his seventh career start.

St. Mary’s alum Corbin Burnes (41), who began the day with a 1.77 ERA, left the game with lower back discomfort in the fourth inning. He pitched 32⁄3 innings, allowing three runs and six hits.

Molina singled in the second inning and again in the seventh, and became the 12th catcher in majorleague history to reach the 2,000hit mark.