Paul DeJong hit a three-run homer and a two-run single for a career-high five RBIs, helping Austin Gomber and the St. Louis Cardinals pound the Cincinnati Reds 12-5 on Friday night, Matt Carpenter hit his NL-best 35th homer as St. Louis pulled within 3 1/2 games of NL Central-leading Chicago. Gomber pitched seven effective innings and also contributed a two-run double. Cards play the Reds again today,
Ryan O’Hearn homered among his three hits and drove in four runs, Whit Merrifield scored three runs and the Kansas City Royals beat the Baltimore Orioles 9-2 Friday night in a matchup of the two teams with the worst records in the majors. Royals play the Orioles again today.