The St. Louis Cardinals continued their strong start to the second half with a 6-4 win to complete a sweep of the Miami Marlins.

The Cardinals struck first against reigning NL Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara, tagging him for four runs in the first inning thanks to an RBI single from Nolan Arenado and a three run home run from Nolan Gorman.

St. Louis starter Dakota Hudson went three innings, giving up two runs on five hits. The Cardinal bullpen combined for six innings of two run ball the rest of the way on thier way to the victory.

St. Louis got two insurance runs in the seventh on an error and an RBI single from Gorman.

The Cardinals have won five in a row and seven of their last eight.

UP NEXT

The Cardinals travel to Chicago to open a series with the Cubs. Steven Matz will face Marcus Stroman on Thursday, July 19. First pitch is at 7:05.