ST. LOUIS -- Having come so close to notching his first career complete games at points earlier this season, Carlos Martinez finally achieved the career first on Saturday. Backed by the offense's most potent performance in three weeks, Martinez limited the Phillies to four hits while throwing the first and final pitches in a 7-0 win at Busch Stadium.It was the second time this season that Martinez covered nine scoreless innings. 
The earlier instance, however, netted him a no-decision, as the Cardinals' offense offered no support. This time, it came through with plenty. A four-run fourth and three-run seventh helped the club to a second consecutive win.
The earlier instance, however, netted him a no-decision, as the Cardinals' offense offered no support. This time, it came through with plenty. A four-run fourth and three-run seventh helped the club to a second consecutive win.The Phillies never advanced a runner as far as third against Martinez, who, with 11 strikeouts, became the first Cardinals pitcher since Adam Wainwright (2010) to string together four consecutive starts with at least eight strikeouts. This was Martinez's ninth straight outing of at least six innings, and Martinez was efficient from start to finish. He ended with a pitch count of 107 and never threw more than 14 pitches in an inning.Phillies starter Nick Pivetta was chased after allowing four runs on four hits and four walks in five innings. He's made six starts this season and none have lasted longer than six innings.Jenifer Langosch and Todd Zolecki / MLB.com
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