ST. LOUIS _ Michael Wacha allowed just one run in six innings and Randal Grichuk homered for the second game in a row to lead the Cardinals to an 8-2 rout of the Reds.
After losing three straight, it is the Cardinals' second win in a row.
After generating hype in spring training and securing a spot in the starting rotation that was not necessarily guaranteed this season, Wacha started the year strong. He pitched at least six innings in each of his first seven starts and allowed more than three earned runs just once.
In his last six starts before Monday, he struggled mightily. His ERA in his first seven starts was 2.74. In his next six, it was 8.17.
Manager Mike Matheny faced questions for weeks as to whether he would keep sending Wacha to the mound, but he doggedly supported Wacha, saying all pitchers go through ruts. If Wacha could just find the command of his fastball and locate it in the bottom of the zone, Matheny said, he would be fine.
Monday, Wacha did just that. He threw 61 strikes in 88 pitches, allowing five hits and striking out five while walking one. It is just his second quality start in his last seven appearances and the first time he has allowed one run or fewer since May 19.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals offense scored eight runs for the second straight day.
