Adam Wainwright (1-1) started his fourth opener at 10-year-old Busch Stadium and gave up five runs, three earned, in seven innings. Jhonny Peralta had two hits, including a two-run double off Jeremy Jeffress that cut the deficit to a run in the seventh.
Francisco Rodriguez earned his first save, helping himself with the defensive play of the game when he reached behind his head and snared Peralta’s liner leading off the ninth.
Play was sloppy with Milwaukee shortstop Jean Segura and Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong committing two errors apiece.