Rookie David Freese's three-run double highlighted a five-run seventh inning as the St. Louis Cardinals posted a 6-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday.

Nick Stavinoha led off the frame with a pinch-hit solo home run and Colby Rasmus capped the onslaught with an RBI single for St. Louis, which has won eight of its last nine games.

Freese, who went 2-for-5 in the contest, has 14 hits in his last 27 at-bats during his current seven-game hitting streak.

The offensive outburst was enough for rookie left-hander Jaime Garcia (3-1), who allowed one run and three hits while striking out six in six innings.

Jayson Werth and Chase Utley belted solo home runs for Philadelphia, which saw its modest two-game winning streak come to an end.

Joe Blanton (0-1), who was activated from the disabled list earlier in the day, ran into trouble in the seventh inning. After surrendering just one run through six frames, the right-hander was charged with four runs and 10 hits while striking out four in 6 2/3 innings.