Dexter Fowler and Jedd Gyorko homered to back starting pitcher Lance Lynn, who allowed one run in six innings, and the Cardinals opened a three-game series against Cincinnati with a 7-5 win at Busch Stadium on Friday night.
The win was the ninth in the last 11 games and moved the Cardinals within a half game of first-place in the Central Division. At 12-11, the Cardinals are above .500 for the first time since winning their season opener.
Fowler's two-run homer in the third inning gave the Cardinals a 3-1 lead that they built upon with three runs in the sixth inning after a big defensive play by Yadier Molina.