Nootbaar accounts for Cardinal runs in 4-1 win over Braves

Lars Nootbaar hit a three-run home run and later scored a run, leading the St. Louis Cardinals to a 4-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday night.

Matthew Liberatore (5-6) allowed four hits over six scoreless innings, striking out six on 71 pitches. A double play helped him escape a sixth-inning jam with runners on first and third.

Riley O’Brien earned his 24th save in 28 chances despite allowing two baserunners in the ninth.

Reynaldo Lopez (4-2) made his fourth start since rejoining Atlanta’s rotation on June 26. He allowed four runs on five hits.

The Cardinals are 5-5 in their last 10 games. St. Louis has won four of five games against the Braves this season and clinched its second season series against Atlanta since 2018.

Atlanta has lost five of its last seven games.

St. Louis has hit 16 home runs in its last 11 games.

Braves RHP JR Ritchie (1-2, 4.60 ERA) faces RHP Dustin May (5-6, 4.55) in Sunday’s series finale.



(AP Photo Scott Kane)