Cardinals closer Giovanny Gallegos fanned pinch-hitter Pablo Reyes with the bases loaded for the final out and St. Louis won its 10th straight game by holding off the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers 2-1 Tuesday night.
Milwaukee, which has secured a playoff spot, lost its third straight, the Brewers, magic number to clinch the NL Central stayed at three.
Jake Woodford (3-3) and four relievers combined on a four-hitter as the Cardinals moved closer to the longest winning streak in franchise history, 14 games set in 1935.
RHP Miles Mikolas (1-2, 4.50) starts the third game of the series on Wednesday, 5:45 with the pregame and the first pitch at 6:40 on KIRX.
The Reds now trail the Cardinals by four games for the number two wildcard spot, the Phillies are 4 1/2 out, the Padres are 5 games behind.