Updated

Yadier Molina continues to be a solid catalyst for the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cardinals have allowed fewer than 10 hits in each of their last nine games against the San Diego Padres.

The Cardinals have won two-thirds of their games against NL West competition this season.

With a victory tonight, the Cardinals (77-43) will be 35 games over .500. Since 1969, St. Louis has been at least 35 games above .500 in just three seasons.

John Lackey has made 12 consecutive quality starts for the Cardinals.