Niese (7-6) allowed just one run on seven hits, struck out three and walked one over 5.2 innings in a 4-2 victory over the Cardinals on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

The southpaw failed to complete six innings for the fourth time in the last five starts, and the Cardinals were able to make solid contact most of the day, but this was still easily Niese's best outing since early June. Over his last four starts, he allowed 21 runs, 33 hits and nine walks in 21.1 innings (8.86 ERA). Only one walk Monday helped him work around base runners every inning. Niese is now 7-6 with a 4.87 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 68 strikeouts in 98 innings.