The Cardinals end their losing streak as Chris Carpenter holds San Francisco to one run over 7 1/3 innings. Lincecum allowed four runs in 5 1/3 innings, including a home run by former Giants teammate Randy Winn. The Giants broadcast thought Tim’s mechanics improved with this start, and he did throw over 2/3 of his pitches for strikes. The result just wasn’t that good. The Cardinals gain a game in the wild card race on the Giants, and with the Phillies losing 8-1 in the bottom of the ninth might gain a game on the leader as well.