Pujols, Cardinals Top Phillies 8-4
St. Louis, MO (Sports Network) - Albert Pujols crushed a two-run homer as part of a five-run fifth inning, and the St. Louis Cardinals overcame an early deficit to beat the Philadelphia Phillies, 8-4, in the opener of a four-game series at Busch Stadium.
The 22nd home run of the season for Pujols was one of three given up by Philadelphia starter Kyle Kendrick (5-4) in the aforementioned frame. The right-hander had been a perfect 4-0 with a 1.67 ERA in four career starts against the Cardinals, allowing just five earned runs over 27 innings.
With the win, the sixth in a row for the National League Central leaders, St. Louis snapped a four-game home losing streak to the Phillies.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, has dropped eight of 10 on the road.
