Miller strong in debut, leads Cards over Reds 1-0

[October 04, 2012]  ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Rookie right-hander Shelby Miller took a no-hitter into the sixth inning in his first career start, Matt Carpenter had a run-scoring single and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Cincinnati Reds 1-0 Wednesday night.

The Cardinals, who won 12 of their final 16 regular-season games, clinched the second NL wild card spot Tuesday and will face the Braves in Atlanta on Friday.

Cincinnati, which has won four of seven, takes on NL West champion San Francisco in an NL division series beginning Saturday.

Miller gave up a two-out bloop single to Wilson Valdez in the sixth to end his no-hit bid. He struck out seven, walked two and allowed just one hit over six innings.

Reds starter Homer Bailey, who threw a no-hitter at Pittsburgh in his previous start, tossed four shutout innings on four hits. He struck out six and did not walk a batter.

Carpenter drove in Shane Robinson with a one-out single that eluded second baseman Henry Rodriguez. Robinson singled off Jonathan Broxton (3-3) to start the rally.

St. Louis reliever Victor Marte (3-2) picked up the win with one inning of relief. Jason Motte recorded his 42nd save in 49 opportunities, tying him for the most saves in the NL with Craig Kimbrel of Atlanta.

Cardinals manager Mike Matheny held seven regulars out of the lineup. Shortstop Pete Kozma was the only starter to begin the contest.

Reds skipper Dusty Baker started most of his regulars.

Lance Berkman pinch hit in the seventh inning in his first appearance since Sept. 7. He has had two knee surgeries this season and is contemplating retiring. He received a standing ovation after grounding back to the pitcher.

NOTES: St. Louis RHP Kyle Lohse (16-3, 2.86 ERA) will start the one-game wild card playoff in Atlanta. Lohse will celebrate his 34th birthday Thursday. ... Baker announced his starting rotation for the NLDS series against San Francisco. Johnny Cueto (19-9, 2.78) will start Game 1, Bronson Arroyo (12-10, 3.74) is slated for Game 2 and Mat Latos (14-4, 3.48) will pitch Game 3. ... Miller got his first major league hit, a double in the third inning, to end a nine-pitch at-bat. He also added a single in the fifth. ... The crowd of 42,509 gave the Cardinals 19 sellouts this season.

[Associated Press]

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