Frankie Montas stars as the Brewers beat the struggling Cardinals 3-2

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Frankie Montas pitched seven sparkling innings and Devin Williams escaped a jam in the ninth, helping the Milwaukee Brewers beat the reeling St. Louis Cardinals 3-2 on Tuesday night.

Montas (6-8) allowed one hit — Alec Burleson's single in the fourth — in his fourth start since he was acquired in a trade with Cincinnati. He struck out three and walked one.

William Contreras had three hits for the NL Central-leading Brewers, who earned their sixth straight win. Sal Frelick added two hits.

Matt Carpenter homered for St. Louis in its seventh loss in eight games. Erick Fedde (8-7) was charged with two runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Carpenter's fourth homer of the season — a pinch-hit drive with Lars Nootbaar aboard in the eighth — got St. Louis within one.

The Cardinals loaded the bases with one out in the ninth, but Williams struck out Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Gorman — both swinging — for his fifth save.