NEW YORK — Sonny Gray just might be human after all, but the Cardinals bullpen continues to look super-human and a six-run lead is a considerable cushion for a pitching staff.

Despite some self-inflicted wounds that helped spark a New York Mets rally and a very strong effort from the Mets relief corps, the Cardinals held on for a 7-4 series-clinching win against the Mets in the second game of their three-game weekend set at Citi Field on Saturday.

The Cardinals have now won three straight games for the first time this season.

Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado went 1 for 4 with an RBI, a walk and two runs scored, and he also extended his on-base streak to 25 consecutive games. That’s the longest active streak in the majors.

Paul Goldschmidt went 2 for 5 with two RBIs and two runs scored, while Brendan Donovan went 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored to pace the Cardinals (13-14). Donovan had two doubles.

The Mets relievers held the Cardinals to one hit in the final 4 2/3 innings.

Gray (3-1) allowed four runs (one earned) on four hits, including a home run, and three walks in six innings. Gray had walked just two batters in his first three starts of the season. He struck out nine batters. All four runs he allowed came in the fifth inning.

Cardinals relievers JoJo Romero, Andrew Kittredge and Ryan Helsley each pitched a scoreless inning of relief to secure the win. Kittredge and Romero now have 10 holds apiece, which leads the majors.

The Mets loaded the bases in the ninth inning, but Helsley recorded his ninth save in 10 chances this season.

Four-run first put Cardinals in control

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