Brewers turn to Gallardo's arm, bat against Cardinals

Yovani Gallardo aims to continue his recent power on the mound and at the plate Saturday afternoon when the Milwaukee Brewers continue a four-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Miller Park.

Gallardo gave up two runs -- one earned -- over seven innings in a 10-4 win over the Pirates Monday. He also hit his second homer of 2013 and the 12th of his career.

Gallardo has won his last three starts while posting a 2.29 ERA. The righty, though is just 1-10 with a 6.84 ERA in 15 career starts against the Cardinals. That includes an 8-0 loss this season on April 13 at Busch Stadium when Adam Wainwright, today's Cardinals starter, matched his career high with 12 strikeouts.

Gallardo has to be tougher against Wainwright when the St. Louis starter steps into the batter's box. Wainwright finished 3-for-3 with two RBI at the plate in that contest.

Wainwright had a four-start winning streak snapped his last time out, Monday against the Reds when he gave up a pair of runs in seven innings. The righty comes into this afternoon's game with the lowest ERA against Milwaukee (1.93) among active pitchers with at least 50 innings thrown. He's 9-6 in 25 games (18) starts when facing the Brewers.

Last night, Matt Holliday went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer and Carlos Beltran added a solo shot as the Cardinals won, 6-1.

Jon Jay went 2-for-3 with two RBI and Yadier Molina added a pair of hits and a run scored for the Cardinals, winners in four straight.

Shelby Miller (4-2) allowed one run on seven hits over six frames to earn the win.

"He controlled the counts and made them put the ball in play for our defense. He was very effective and made some nice adjustments since the first time he faced them," said Cardinals manager Mike Matheny.

Jonathan Lucroy had an RBI and Ryan Braun had two hits and scored a run for the Brewers, losers in three straight. Third baseman Aramis Ramirez returned to the lineup following a month-long absence because of a knee injury. He went 2-for-3.

"I did more than I expected. I felt good on the bases. I am glad with the way I did play, and the way my knee held up tonight. I hope things just keep getting better," Ramirez said.

Kyle Lohse (1-3) was tagged for four runs on 11 hits over five innings to absorb the loss.

The Cardinals won two of three games against Milwaukee in an April series in St. Louis and took nine of 15 games in 2012. Milwaukee last won a series, 8-7, in 2010.