Lynn wins 9th as Cards beat Astros 14-2

Beltran hit league leading 16th HR in fifth

HOUSTON — David Freese hit a grand slam and a two-run homer and rookie Lance Lynn struck out a career-high 11 in earning his ninth win as the St. Louis Cardinals cruised past the Houston Astros 14-2 on Thursday night.

Freese’s slam in the seventh inning was the third homer of the game for St. Louis. He added a two-run shots in the ninth as the Cardinals scored a season-high.

Carlos Beltran connected on his National League-leading 16th homer in the fifth and Shane Robinson added a two-run shot in the seventh to help the Cardinals take the series.

Lynn’s nine victories are tied with R.A. Dickey of the Mets for most in the NL.

Lynn (9-2) yielded six hits and two runs.

J.A. Happ (4-6) allowed five hits and four runs with five walks in 4 2-3 innings.