Yovani Gallardo flirted with a no-hitter at Busch Stadium, allowing only a single to start the eighth inning of the Brewers’ slump-busting 4-0 victory over the Cardinals yesterday in St. Louis.

Gallardo left after eight, the lone blemish Daniel Descalso’s solid single up the middle on a 1-1 count. The Brewers snapped a seven-game losing streak.

Gallardo retired the first 13 batters in order before walking Lance Berkman on a full count with one out in the fifth.

Phillies 3, Braves 0

In Philadelphia, fill-in starter Kyle Kendrick and four relievers combined on a five-hitter, Ryan Howard homered and the Phillies spoiled Braves rookie Julio Teheran’s major league debut.

Cubs 3, Reds 2

In Chicago, Kosuke Fukudome hit a game-ending single as the Cubs scored twice in the ninth inning.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Rays 8, Orioles 2

In Baltimore, Evan Longoria homered and drove in four runs, B.J. Upton hit a three-run drive and the Rays tied a single-season club record with their seventh straight road win.

Upton’s home run validated his decision to appeal a two-game suspension by MLB for a tirade following an ejection Wednesday night.

Red Sox 4, Twins 0

In Boston, Clay Buchholz combined with four relievers on a three-hitter and the Red Sox bounced back from a pair of lopsided losses.

Buchholz (3-3) pitched five innings despite having to wait through a 2-hour, 7-minute delay, allowing two singles, walking one and striking out six.