BALTIMORE, June 30 (UPI) -- Lance Berkman hit two homers Thursday, John Jay had a three-run shot and the St. Louis Cardinals won their third straight by outslugging Baltimore 9-6.
The Cardinals moved into a share of first place with Milwaukee in the National League Central.
St. Louis built an 8-0 lead through 3 1/2 innings, thanks chiefly to the long ball. Berkman hit a two-run blast in the third that put the Cardinals in front 4-0 and Jay's home run highlighted a four-run fourth.
Berkman added a solo shot in the seventh, making him the seventh player in the majors this year to reach 20 home runs.
Baltimore outhit the Cardinals 15-14 and put together a comeback bid with Nolan Reimold's three-run homer and a two-run shot from Mark Reynolds.
After being staked to the big lead, Jamie Garcia (7-3) survived just long enough to get the win. He allowed five runs on 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings.
St. Louis roughed up Baltimore starter Brian Matusz (1-4) for eight runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings.
Fernando Salas came on in the ninth and protected a three-run lead while earning his 13th save.
The three-game sweep suffered by the Orioles left them with six losses in their last eight games.
