Hernandez, Hellickson lift Philies over Cardinals, 4-2

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Cesar Hernandez homered, doubled and singled, and Jeremy Hellickson pitched seven strong innings in the Philadelphia Phillies’ 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday night.

Maikel Franco had two hits, including a double and the winning RBI, and Aaron Altherr homered for the Phillies. They have hit home runs in 14 straight games.

Jeremy Hazelbaker homered and Jhonny Peralta had three hits for St. Louis, which had won five in a row. The Cardinals are 1 1/2 games head of Miami for the second wild-card spot in the National League.

St. Louis fell short of setting a major league record of 10 straight games with multiple home runs. The Cardinals tied the mark with a pair of homers Friday night.

Hellickson (10-7) skipped his last start because of back tightness. The right-hander looked healthy and sharp, allowing two runs on seven hits with eight strikeouts and one walk. He pumped his fist into his glove after striking out pinch-hitter Greg Garcia to finish the seventh.

Franco put the Phillies ahead for good with a two-out single to left in the fifth that scored Hernandez from third.

Jeanmar Gomez pitched a scoreless ninth for his 33rd save in 37 opportunities.

The Phillies jumped on rookie Luke Weaver (0-1) with a pair of runs in the first.

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