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Playing at home, the St. Louis Cardinals earned a tight victory over the San Francisco Giants in Game Three. Reuters

After a three and a half hour rain delay, the St. Louis Cardinals took a 2-1 series lead over the San Francisco Giants in the National League Championship Series with a win at Busch Stadium on Wednesday, 3-1.

Matt Carpenter, who replaced injured outfielder Carlos Beltran, hit a two-run home run in the third inning to give the Cardinals a 2-1 lead.

David Freese would score in the seventh after hitting a one-out double off Giants starter Matt Cain. The right-hander gave up three runs in six and two-third innings to get the loss, while Cardinals starter Kyle Lohse got the win after surrendering just one run in five and two-third innings.

Closer Jason Motte entered in the eighth inning and turned in a two-inning save to hold off the Giants.

The big issue for the rest of the series might be Beltran. The star outfielder left in the second inning with a knee strain. His availability for the Game Four is in doubt.

The Cardinals and Giants will meet for Game Four on Thursday at 8:00 pm eastern time in St. Louis.

Major league baseball