Yadier Molina hit a grand slam to cap a six-run eighth inning and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Milwaukee Brewers 8-6 on Monday at Miller Park.

After losing eight of nine, the Cardinals have won three of four to buoy their hopes of catching Cincinnati in the National League Central. The Reds entered the day with a seven-game lead.

Brewers starter Yovani Gallardo posted his first quality start in his last six outings, but didn't factor in the decision. He allowed two runs on four hits, leaving after seven innings with the game tied at 2.

The Cardinals teed off on Milwaukee's bullpen in the eighth, with Molina's blast off Todd Coffey doing the bulk of the damage. It was Molina's sixth homer of the season and his second career grand slam. Zach Braddock (1-2) was charged with the loss.

The Brewers rallied for two runs in the eighth and two more in the ninth to get the tying run to the plate, but Ryan Franklin got Prince Fielder to ground out to end it.

Mitchell Boggs (2-2) allowed one run and struck out two in 1 1/3 innings of relief for the win. Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook allowed two runs on five hits over six innings.

Corey Hart went 3-for-4 with three RBIs and two home runs - his 26th and 27th - and Rickie Weeks added his 26th homer for Milwaukee, which has lost six of seven.