Bullpen big for Cardinals, who finish sweep of Mets in twin bill

Right-hander Michael McGreevy was solid in 5 2/3 innings of relief to help the St. Louis Cardinals to a 5-4 win against the visiting New York Mets, sweeping Sunday's twin bill series and claiming the three-game series.

McGreevy (1-0) struck out five and held the Mets to one hit and one walk in his fifth major league game and his first this season. The Cardinals have won four of their past six games.

Mets reliever Max Kranick (2-1) was tagged with the loss after giving up the eventual winning run in his lone inning in the sixth, when Victor Scott II doubled home Yohel Pozo.

Down by two entering the third, New York sent nine batters to the plate against Cardinals starter Andre Pallante to take a 4-2 lead.

Tyrone Taylor and Francisco Lindor singled, Juan Soto reached on a force play, and Pete Alonso's base hit drove in Taylor to cut it to 2-1. Mark Vientos then drew a walk to load the bases.

With two outs, Starling Marte's single to right field brought Soto and Alonso home to make it 3-2. Vientos then scored when Francisco Alvarez followed with a single.

St. Louis pulled even in the bottom half of the frame. Lars Nootbaar and Masyn Winn each drew a one-out walk. A groundout moved the runners up, and Nolan Arenado's infield single brought home one run. Willson Contreras followed with a single to tie the game at 4-4.

The Mets had a prime opportunity to regain the lead in the fourth inning but couldn't capitalize. Taylor led off with a single and Francisco Lindor walked. After a flyout, Alonso also walked to load the bases.

That prompted the call for McGreevy, who struck out Vientos and got Brandon Nimmo to line out to end the inning.

The Cardinals opened the scoring in the bottom of the second when Alec Burleson blasted a two-run homer into the St. Louis bullpen for a 2-0 lead. It was his first home run of the season.

New York starter Tylor Megill gave up four runs on four hits and three walks in five innings. He struck out six.

--Field Level Media