ST. LOUIS (AP) — Three months ago, Yovani Gallardo was six outs shy of throwing a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals.

That’s the only time the Milwaukee Brewers’ 15-game winner has had any success against them. Jon Jay and Matt Holliday homered in the third inning to back six scoreless innings from Kyle Lohse on eight days’ rest in the Cardinals’ 4-2 victory on Tuesday night.

Gallardo dropped to 1-7 with a 5.66 ERA for his career against the Cardinals, the lone victory on May 7 in St. Louis when he allowed just one hit in eight innings, a single by Daniel Descalso to start the eighth.

“I don’t even think about things like that,” Gallardo said. “Who knows, I could have gone out and thrown a no-hitter. That’s how this game is.

“It just seems like I make a mistake and they take advantage of it.”

Gallardo (15-10) gave up three runs in six innings, and has allowed six home runs in 10 2-3 innings over his last two starts, both losses to the Cardinals. He gave up only three his previous seven starts combined.

“Every game’s a different game, every start’s a different start,” Gallardo said. “You’ve just got to go out there and give your team a chance, take care of your job.”

Lohse (13-8), who leads the Cardinals in victories, gave up four hits, struck out six and walked three. He was pushed back two days behind Chris Carpenter and Jake Westbrook after giving up four runs in five innings in a win against Pittsburgh in his last start.

Nyjer Morgan had three hits and Jonathan Lucroy had an RBI double in the eighth for the Brewers, who lead the Central by 9½ games with 19 to play after their four-game winning streak was snapped. Corey Hart extended his hitting streak to 18 games for Milwaukee, which is a major-league best 40-16 since July 6 — with six of the losses against the Cardinals.

The Brewers thought wind blowing in from center robbed them of three homers against Lohse. But they didn’t get upset, either.

“The elements played their part,” Morgan said. “It’s all good. we’ll come back tomorrow and bring it to them.”

Hart flied out twice to the warning track in center and Ryan Braun also flied out to the track in center in the fifth, all against Lohse.

“Oh yeah, we would have had a lot of runs if we were in our ballpark,” Roenicke said. “Braunie really crushed his, but then again Holliday hammered his ball, too. The elements sometimes work against you.”

Morgan, the Brewers’ center fielder, said Holliday could have had a second homer on a flyout to the track ending the fifth.

“I was ready to break back and the next thing you know I had to hit the brakes,” Morgan said. “Everything hit to center, that thing was dying.”

Jason Motte allowed three hits and Prince Fielder’s RBI single in the ninth before earning his third save in six chances in a September shot at closing. The run ended a streak of 21 consecutive scoreless appearances for Motte, and also was the first earned run he allowed in 34 appearances since June 24. Fernando Salas, who has 23 saves in 28 chances, got the first two outs in the seventh.

Lance Berkman, who struck out three times against Gallardo the last meeting, gave the Cardinals the lead with an RBI in the first. Jay hit his 10th homer with one out in the third and Holliday hit his 22nd just inside the right-field foul pole with two outs.

Of the three pitches, Gallardo only wanted a do-over on Holliday.

“He gave up three runs, that’s not too bad,” manager Ron Roenicke said. “I thought he threw the ball pretty good. His fastball missed a couple spots and it hurt him.

“His curveball was outstanding.”

The Cardinals had three straight singles off Kameron Loe with one out the seventh with Jay getting the RBI before Albert Pujols hit into his major-league leading 26th double play. The Cardinals lead the majors with 151 — 15 shy of the major league record held by the 1958 Cardinals.

NOTES: Zack Greinke (14-5) opposes Chris Carpenter (8-9) in the finale of a three-game series. Carpenter is 5-6 with a 5.05 ERA in 14 career starts against Milwaukee and is 1-2 with a 5.68 ERA in three starts this year. … Lohse beat the Brewers for the first time in four decisions at home. … Hart doubled to lead off the game and singled to start the ninth and is batting .359 (28-for-78) with five homers and nine RBIs.

Kyle Lohse leads the St. Louis Cardinals with 13 victories after silencing the Milwaukee Brewers’ runaway express.

He’ll be ready for his next start, whenever that is.

Lohse threw six scoreless innings on eight days’ rest and the Cardinals got home runs from Jon Jay and Matt Holliday in the third, slicing into the Brewers’ formidable NL Central lead with a 4-2 victory Tuesday night.

“I think I said about a month ago when I started getting moved around and skipped, I’d take the ball when Tony (La Russa) says it’s my turn and go as long as I can until he says that’s enough,” Lohse said. “I try not to worry about all the other stuff, because then you’re going to be distracted. I try not to get upset.”

The Brewers thought wind blowing in from center robbed them of three homers against Lohse. But they didn’t get upset, either.

“The elements played their part,” said Nyjer Morgan, who had three hits. “It’s all good. we’ll come back tomorrow and bring it to them.”

Lohse (13-8) gave up four hits, struck out six and walked three. He was pushed back two days behind Chris Carpenter and Jake Westbrook after giving up four runs in five innings in a win against Pittsburgh in his last start.

“I don’t think he enjoyed it and was upset because he got bumped,” manager La Russa said. “But the difficulty today was that he was pitching against a good team and he did great.”

La Russa left shortly after the game to catch a Santana concert.

Yovanni Gallardo (15-10) gave up three runs in six innings, and has allowed six home runs in 10 2-3 innings over his last two starts, both losses to the Cardinals. He gave up only three his previous seven starts combined.

Gallardo dropped to 1-7 with a 5.66 ERA for his career against the Cardinals, the lone victory on May 7 in St. Louis when he took a no-hitter into the eighth of a 4-0 victory.

“Good or bad, you don’t look at those things,” Gallardo said. “Every game’s a different game, every start’s a different start. You’ve just got to go out there and give your team a chance to win.”

Jonathan Lucroy had an RBI double in the eighth for the Brewers, who lead the Central by 9½ games with 19 to play after their four-game winning streak was snapped. Corey Hart extended his hitting streak to 18 games for Milwaukee, which is a major-league best 40-16 since July 6 — with six of the losses against the Cardinals.

Hart flied out twice to the warning track in center and Ryan Braun also flied out to the track in center in the fifth, all against Lohse.

“Oh yeah, we would have had a lot of runs if we were in our ballpark,” Roenicke said. “Braunie really crushed his, but then again Holliday hammered his ball, too. The elements sometimes work against you.”

Jason Motte allowed three hits and Prince Fielder’s RBI single in the ninth before earning his third save in six chances in a September shot at closing. The run ended a streak of 21 consecutive scoreless appearances for Motte, and also was the first earned run he allowed in 34 appearances since June 24. Fernando Salas, who has 23 saves in 28 chances, got the first two outs in the seventh.

“I’m sorry it’s over, but kind of glad,” Motte said. “I don’t have to worry about you guys coming up and asking me about it every day.”

Lance Berkman, who struck out three times against Gallardo the last meeting, gave the Cardinals the lead with an RBI in the first — also his 100th career RBI against the Brewers. Jay hit his 10th homer with one out in the third and Holliday hit his 22nd just inside the right-field foul pole with two outs.

“The home run to Jay, that ball is far in off the plate. I threw the pitch where I wanted to and he turned on it,” Gallardo said. On Holliday’s homer: “That ball was up. He goes that way pretty good and put a pretty good swing on it.”

The Cardinals had three straight singles off Kameron Loe with one out the seventh with Jay getting the RBI before Albert Pujols hit into his major-league leading 26th double play. The Cardinals lead the majors with 151 — 15 shy of the major league record held by the 1958 Cardinals.

NOTES: Zack Greinke (14-5) opposes Chris Carpenter (8-9) in the finale of a three-game series. Carpenter is 5-6 with a 5.05 ERA in 14 career starts against Milwaukee and is 1-2 with a 5.68 ERA in three starts this year. … Pujols has one more double play ball than Boston’s Adrian Gonzalez. Holliday and Yadier Molina are in a three-way tie for second in the NL along with Atlanta’s Alex Gonzalez. The double play all was Pujols’ first in 28 games. … Lohse beat the Brewers for the first time in four decisions at home. … Hart doubled to lead off the game and singled to start the ninth and is batting .359 (28-for-78) with five homers and nine RBIs. … Brewers rookie Taylor Green is 4-for-4 as a pinch hitter after singling in the eighth. …

By R.b. Fallstrom, Associated Press

ST. LOUIS — Kyle Lohse threw six scoreless innings on eight days’ rest and the St. Louis Cardinals got home runs from Jon Jay and Matt Holliday in the third inning, slicing just a bit into the Milwaukee Brewers’ formidable NL Central lead with a 4-2 victory on Tuesday night.

Lohse (13-8), who leads the Cardinals in victories, gave up four hits, struck out six and walked three. He was pushed back two days behind Chris Carpenter and Jake Westbrook after giving up four runs in five innings in a win against Pittsburgh in his last start.

Yovanni Gallardo (15-10) gave up three runs in six innings, and has allowed six home runs in 10 2-3 innings over his last two starts, both losses to the Cardinals. He gave up only three his previous seven starts combined.

Gallardo dropped to 1-7 with a 5.66 ERA for his career against the Cardinals, the lone victory on May 7 in St. Louis when he took a no-hitter into the eighth of a 4-0 victory.

Nyger Morgan had three hits and Jonathan Lucroy had an RBI double in the eighth for the Brewers, who lead the Central by 9½ games with 19 to play after their four-game winning streak was snapped. Corey Hart extended his hitting streak to 18 games for Milwaukee, which is a major-league best 40-16 since July 6 — with six of the losses against the Cardinals.

Jason Motte allowed three hits and Prince Fielder’s RBI single in the ninth before earning his third save in six chances in a September shot at closing. The run ended a streak of 21 consecutive scoreless appearances for Motte, and also was the first earned run he allowed in 34 appearances since June 24. Fernando Salas, who has 23 saves in 28 chances, got the first two outs in the seventh.

Lance Berkman, who struck out three times against Gallardo the last meeting, gave the Cardinals the lead with an RBI in the first. Jay hit his 10th homer with one out in the third and Holliday hit his 22nd just inside the right-field foul pole with two outs.

The Cardinals had three straight singles off Kameron Loe with one out the seventh with Jay getting the RBI before Albert Pujols hit into his major-league leading 26th double play. The Cardinals lead the majors with 151 — 15 shy of the major league record held by the 1958 Cardinals.

NOTES: Zack Greinke (14-5) opposes Chris Carpenter (8-9) in the finale of a three-game series. Carpenter is 5-6 with a 5.05 ERA in 14 career starts against Milwaukee and is 1-2 with a 5.68 ERA in three starts this year. … Pujols has one more double play ball than Boston’s Adrian Gonzalez. Holliday and Yadier Molina are in a three-way tie for second in the NL along with Atlanta’s Alex Gonzalez. … Lohse beat the Brewers for the first time in four decisions at home. … Hart doubled to lead off the game and singled to start the ninth and is batting .359 (28-for-78) with five homers and nine RBIs.

     While the St. Louis Cardinals are one step closer to being eliminated from baseball’s post-season, former Missouri State Bear pitcher Shaun Marcum is one step closer to making the playoffs after his Milwaukee Brewers won and the Redbirds lost on Sunday.

     Marcum, a member of Missouri State’s College World Series team in 2003, was traded from Toronto to Milwaukee this year and has been a key leader in getting the Brewers into first place in the National League Central.  Despite being swept by the Cards earlier this week, Milwaukee’s lead over St. Louis is back to nine-and-a-half games after St. Louis lost two-of-three to Cincinnati and the Marcum-led Brewers blanked Houston on Sunday 4-0.

    Marcum had a no-hitter going through six innings, allowing just one-hit over seven innings and striking out eight. His record is now 12-5, and Milwaukee’s magic number for clinching the division is 13 as they arrive in St. Louis for a three game series starting Monday night.

    The Cardinals, whose backs are already against the wall, rallied from a 2-0 deficit on Sunday against Cincinnati, as an RBI triple by Daniel DeScalso in the 4th inning tied the game.  But the Redbird bats went into hibernation for the remainder of the day, and the Reds pulled out a 3-2 win in the 10th inning on an RBI single byJuan Francisco.

Springfield, MO – The weather was stunning Sunday afternoon in the Ozarks and the Springfield Cardinals hoped to get back in the win column after a loss in the series opener.

The Cardinals used righty Scott Schneider on the hill making his final appearance of the season. Against him was Orangel Arenas who was an All-Star at the midway point of the season for the Travelers.

After a scoreless first inning, the Cardinals got on the scoreboard in the second inning plating three runs. Zack Cox started the inning by reaching on an error. A strikeout later, Springfield collected four straight hits including a two-run single Travis Tartamella before an RBI sacrifice fly by Ryan Jackson gave the Cardinals a 3-0 lead.

Schneider had not allowed a hit in his first four innings of work, but allowed three straight singles to start the 5th. Dwayne Bailey then grounded a ball to third that ate up Cox allowing a run to score and keeping the bases loaded. Springfield then got an out at the plate before Schneider hit Gabe Jacobo with a pitch bringing another run across and ending the right hander’s afternoon.

Sam Freeman entered the game with the bases loaded in the 5th and allowed an RBI ground out, then walked Blake Gailen to re-load the bases. Chris Pettit followed with an RBI single, a wild pitch allowed another run to score and Alberto Rosario finished off the inning with an RBI single to put a cap on the six-run, five-hit frame with the Travs in front 6-3.

In the 7th, Nick Greenwood came out of the Cardinals bullpen and allowed a lead off double to Gabe Jacobo before Roberto Lopez doubled to drive in a run to make it a 7-3 game.

Arkansas would add three more runs in the 9th against Jeff Lyman as Blake Gailen hit a two-run homer and Chris Pettit added a solo shot to lead 10-3.

The Springfield offense fell silent after their three-run third amassing just two more hits for the rest of the game in their 10-3 loss to Arkansas.

     In college football news, both coaches found something to be positive about after Saturday’s season opener in Fayetteville in which 15th ranked Arkansas, as expected, overpowered lower-division Missouri State.  Razorback head coach Bobby Petrino was obviously happy with his team’s domination in which they outgained the Bears 466 yards to 163.  Petrino lauded the Hog defense, and while some fans were concerned that Arkansas managed only 102 yards rushing, Petrino said that Missouri State’s constant blitzing caused him to forsake the run for a lot of quick passes that were quite effective.

    Missouri State head coach Terry Allen, who’s team faces 3rd ranked Oregon in two weeks, was happy that his team came away without any major injuries.  Allen said that the Bear defense looked stronger than past teams as the longest run they surrendered was 14 yards. He also pointed out that while the offense struggled, the circumstances were quite difficult considering that freshman quarterback Kierra Harris was taking his first college snaps as a starter after Trevor Wooden was suspended for one game for breaking team rules.

By Dan Moore

– Managing Editor

Follow , and

Like SB Nation St. Louis on Facebook.

Aug 31, 2011 – Tuesday night the St. Louis Cardinals finally got the Edwin Jackson they traded Colby Rasmus to acquire, and then some; the starter allowed just one run over seven innings, didn’t walk a batter, and drove in the team’s first run with a bases-loaded single to top the Milwaukee Brewers, putting the on-the-edge Cardinals to 9.5 games back in the National League Central. Jon Jay drove in the other run for the Cardinals, who improved to 71-64. Shaun Marcum, who didn’t allow a single earned run, was the hard-luck loser; he falls to 11-5 on the season.

The middle of the Cardinals’ order was 0-10, but the back of the order, including recently dropped shortstop Rafael Furcal, delivered in the fifth inning after taking advantage of two fifth-inning errors. Jackson, following up a Yadier Molina single, broke through with a single, and Jon Jay scored Furcal with a sacrifice fly to end the scoring for St. Louis. 

Jake Westbrook and Randy Wolf will meet Wednesday to continue the series, which ends with the Cardinals sending rookie Brandon Dickson—currently still a member of the Memphis Redbirds—up against Brewers ace Yovani Gallardo. Cardinals starter Jaime Garcia is being skipped in the rotation after a rough August that featured a 6.84 ERA. 

Read More: Jake Westbrook (P – STL), Edwin Jackson (P – STL), Rafael Furcal (SS – STL), Randy Wolf (P – MIL), Yadier Molina (C – STL), Shaun Marcum (P – MIL), Yovani Gallardo (P – MIL), Jaime Garcia (P – STL), Colby Rasmus (CF – TOR), Jon Jay (RF – STL), Brandon Dickson (P – STL), St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers

Follow , and

Like SB Nation St. Louis on Facebook.

Do you like this story?

Tuesday night the St. Louis Cardinals finally got the Edwin Jackson they traded Colby Rasmus to acquire, and then some; the starter allowed just one run over seven innings, didn’t walk a batter, and drove in the team’s first run with a bases-loaded single to top the Milwaukee Brewers, putting the on-the-edge Cardinals to 9.5 games back in the National League Central. Jon Jay drove in the other run for the Cardinals, who improved to 71-64. Shaun Marcum, who didn’t allow a single earned run, was the hard-luck loser; he falls to 11-5 on the season.

The middle of the Cardinals’ order was 0-10, but the back of the order, including recently dropped shortstop Rafael Furcal, delivered in the fifth inning after taking advantage of two fifth-inning errors. Jackson, following up a Yadier Molina single, broke through with a single, and Jon Jay scored Furcal with a sacrifice fly to end the scoring for St. Louis. 

Jake Westbrook and Randy Wolf will meet Wednesday to continue the series, which ends with the Cardinals sending rookie Brandon Dickson—currently still a member of the Memphis Redbirds—up against Brewers ace Yovani Gallardo. Cardinals starter Jaime Garcia is being skipped in the rotation after a rough August that featured a 6.84 ERA. 

(Sports Network) – Two teams reduced to also-ran status in the National
League Central get together to begin a four-game series when the Pittsburgh
Pirates visit the St. Louis Cardinals tonight at Busch Stadium.

Both the Pirates and Cardinals held the lead in the division earlier this
season but have plummeted since, falling 15 1/2 and 10 games, respectively,
behind the first-place Milwaukee Brewers.

On Wednesday in Pittsburgh, Aaron Thompson combined with three other pitchers
on a five-hit shutout as the Pirates took a 2-0 win over Milwaukee to split a
four-game series.

Thompson made his MLB debut and over 4 1/3 innings he gave up four hits and
two walks with a strikeout. Jason Grilli (1-0) pitched 2 2/3 perfect innings
to get the win while Jose Veras and Joel Hanrahan each worked an inning with
Hanrahan getting his 32nd save of the season.

Andrew McCutchen and Neil Walker each had a sacrifice fly for the Pirates, who
had dropped five of seven coming into the game.

In St. Louis, Juan Rivera hit a two-run homer and drove in two as the Los
Angeles Dodgers took a 9-4 win over the Cardinals to sweep a three-game
series.

It was L.A.’s first road three-game sweep of the Cardinals since August 1993.

Gerald Laird hit a two-run homer and Skip Schumaker went 4-for-4 with an RBI
and a run scored for the Cardinals, who have lost five of their last six
games.

Jaime Garcia (10-7) dropped his third straight decision after allowing seven
runs on nine hits over just five innings.

Getting the call for St. Louis tonight will be right-hander Edwin Jackson,
who’s 2-0 in three career starts against the Pirates with a 3.79 earned run
average in 19 innings.

Jackson started the season with 19 appearances for the Chicago White Sox
before heading to the Cardinals at the trading deadline. He’s 2-2 in five
starts since the deal, beating the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies, while
losing to Milwaukee and the Cubs.

He was 7-7 with the White Sox with a 3.92 ERA.

Jackson’s given up three runs or less seven times in his last 10 starts while
pitching at least six innings nine times.

For the Pirates, righty Charlie Morton can extend a four-start unbeaten
streak. The 27-year-old last lost on July 29 at Philadelphia, when he was
touched for nine hits and eight runs in four innings of a 10-3 loss.

He’s won once and gotten three no-decisions since while surrendering just
three combined runs in 28 1/3 innings against the Cubs, San Francisco,
Milwaukee and Cincinnati.

The Pirates are 2-2 in the four games.

Morton is 2-3 in seven lifetime starts against the Cardinals with a 6.21 ERA.

Pittsburgh is 5-4 versus the Cardinals this season.

The Sports Network

PITTSBURGH — Albert Pujols made another bit of history on Tuesday night but there was no post-game celebration in the St. Louis Cardinals’ clubhouse.

Pujols reached 30 home runs for the 11th consecutive season when the first baseman connected in the sixth inning off the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Jeff Karstens. The NL home runs leader is the first player in major league history to hit 30 homers in each of his first 11 seasons.

Yet the milestone was rendered rather moot when Garrett Jones homered to lead off the bottom of the 11th inning to lead the Pirates to a 5-4 victory and drop the second-place Cardinals a season-worst seven games behind Milwaukee in the NL Central.

Pujols’ 28 career home runs at PNC Park are his most at any visiting stadium.

“Those are just numbers. They just reflect how great he is,” Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said. “But he is great. He’s a real weapon. I can guarantee you, though, he’s not happy right now because we lost.”

WATCH a breakdown of the mechanics of Pujols’ sweet swing:

The task of catching the Brewers seems to keep getting tougher each day as they have won 18 of their last 20 games. St. Louis was leading the division by 1/2 game before Milwaukee went on its tear.

“Right now, we need to win,” said Cardinals starter Chris Carpenter, who struck out 10 in seven innings. “We had a chance to tonight and we didn’t pull through. Right now, when you’ve got (39) games left and you have a chance to win a game, you need to win it and take advantage of that.”

The win was just the Pirates’ fifth in 21 games since falling out of first place in the NL Central and they trail Milwaukee by 13 games.

Jones’ blast came on a 2-2 curveball from Arthur Rhodes (3-4) for his 14th home run. The homer was estimated at 440 feet as it carried over the right-field stands and bounced on one hop off a walkway and into the Allegheny River.

It was Jones’ second career game-ending homer; he connected against San Francisco’s Bob Howry on July 17, 2009. It was also just his second home run in 51 at-bats against left-handed pitching this season.

“Arthur Rhodes is always tough on lefties and I was just hoping I could get on base against him to start the inning,” Jones said. “I was lucky that he hung a curveball there.”

While Jones hit a mammoth homer, Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen’s catch in the top of the 11th was just as impressive as he sprinted into the left-center field gap and made a backhanded grab of Pujols’ drive for the final out. Rafael Furcal was running from first base on the pitch and could have scored easily if the ball got past McCutchen.

That capped a frustrating night for the St. Louis offense as it had 10 hits but stranded 11 runners thanks in large part to going 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position.

“It’s a tough league. If you can’t handle it, go home,” La Russa said when asked about frustration. “Either you’re going to break their hearts or they’re going to break your heart. We’ll tough it out and be ready tomorrow.”

Chris Resop (4-4) pitched two scoreless innings for the win.

Pittsburgh tied the game in the ninth when Neil Walker homered on the first pitch from closer Fernando Salas, a rookie who blew his fourth save in 27 opportunities. Walker, who has 10 homers, had not connected at home since June 5.

St. Louis had gone ahead in the top of the ninth on Matt Holliday’s sacrifice fly off closer Joel Hanrahan, snapping his streak of 15 consecutive scoreless innings.

Jon Jay led off the ninth with a double down the left-field line and was bunted to third by Furcal. Pujols was intentionally walked for the second straight plate appearance so Hanrahan could face Holliday, who briefly put the Cardinals ahead with his sacrifice fly.

Carpenter allowed three runs on five hits with one walk.

David Freese had three hits for the Cardinals and Jay added two.

Walker had three hits for the Pirates, McCutchen blasted a three-run home run and had two hits and Jose Tabata had two hits in his first game since he strained his left quadriceps on June 26. Jones also had two hits.

Karstens allowed three runs and six hits in 5 1-3 innings. He walked two and struck out five.

The Cardinals tied the score at 3-3 with a two-run sixth inning that chased Karstens.

Pujols led off the inning with his home run into the right-field stands. Lance Berkman singled one out later and scored on Freese’s double to right.

Notes: Tabata was activated from the 15-day DL before the game and the Pirates optioned 3B Pedro Alvarez to Triple-A Indianapolis. Furcal and Jay flip-flopped places in the batting order with Jay hitting leadoff and Furcal hitting No. 2, a move La Russa hopes will help the Cardinals cut down on hitting into double plays. They lead the NL with 132. Pirates RHP Evan Meek, on the DL since June 8 with shoulder tendinits, is scheduled to throw a simulated game Thursday at the Pirates’ training facility in Bradenton, Fla. If that goes well, he will begin a rehab assignment with Class A Bradenton next Monday. Cardinals RHP Kyle Lohse (10-7, 3.37) will start against LHP Paul Maholm (6-13, 3.60) on Wednesday in the finale of the three-game series. Lohse is 5-2 lifetime against Pittsburgh. Maholm has lost his last four decisions and Pujols is 21-for-36 (.583) against him with seven doubles and two home runs.

Read More: Jason Hammel (P – COL), Edwin Jackson (P – STL), Carlos Gonzalez (LF – COL), Jaime Garcia (P – STL), Chris Nelson (SS – COL), Marc Rzepczynski (P – STL), Colorado Rockies, St. Louis Cardinals

Jaime Garcia allowed five runs in five innings and the St. Louis Cardinals couldn’t quite rally, losing 6-1 to a Colorado Rockies club that never let up after putting up three early runs on the Cardinals’ young ace. Garcia walked four and allowed a crucial home run to Carlos Gonzalez, and the Cardinals didn’t find themselves on the board until a rally in the seventh inning that was stopped short after one run following an outstanding play from third baseman Chris Nelson. Marc Rzepczynski, back in a long relief role after the acquisition of Arthur Rhodes, was the lone bright spot, allowing one hit in three scoreless innings in relief of Garcia. 

Rafael Furcal reached base twice and Ryan Theriot and Skip Schumaker doubled for the Cardinals, whose offense fell off after strong performances over the last week from their big three of Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday, and Lance Berkman. Gonzalez drove in four for the Rockies, who improved to 56-65 on the back of a strong performance from Jason Hammel. 

Edwin Jackson gets the Sunday start for the Cardinals, who can’t afford to lose any more ground to the Milwaukee Brewers—winners of a 1-0 nail biter against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday. 

ST. LOUIS — Albert Pujols and the St. Louis Cardinals sorely needed this one, so the slugger picked a perfect time for a breakout game against the surging Milwaukee Brewers.

Pujols kicked off a 4-for-4 night with a solo homer and the Cardinals beat the Brewers 5-2 on Thursday to avoid a three-game sweep.

St. Louis pulled within four games of NL Central-leading Milwaukee, which has won 13 of 15. The Cardinals are the only team to beat the Brewers during their hot streak.

Pujols almost doubled his hit total for the season against Milwaukee. The big first baseman entered with just five hits in 42 at-bats against the Cardinals’ main division rival, but he put that slide behind him with a drive in the first against Yovani Gallardo (13-8).

Pujols moved into a tie with teammate Lance Berkman for the National League lead with 28 homers and added three singles to up his average to .284.

“The last couple of days, no hits,” Pujols said. “Today, four hits. What did I change? Nothing.

“I’m just trying to be consistent like I have. I think anyone would love to have those numbers I have after 100-plus games.”

Chris Carpenter (8-8) gave up 10 hits in eight innings, but shut down the Brewers after they scored twice in the first. Fernando Salas finished for his 22nd save in 25 opportunities.

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa stopped short of calling it a must-win game, but was pleased with the effort.

“Do or die is the last couple of weeks when the numbers are staring you in the face,” La Russa said. “There was a lot of urgency today. We beat a very good pitcher.”

Mark Kotsay, subbing for All-Star slugger Ryan Braun, reached three times and had an RBI double for Milwaukee. Prince Fielder had a run-scoring single to give him 88 RBIs.

“I think we had a great road trip,” Fielder said. “We had a great series here. I think we played good baseball tonight as well.”

After last week’s series in Milwaukee, which featured ejections and warnings for hit batters, this three-game set was fairly tame. The only thing close to an outburst came in the top of the eighth inning when all four umpires gathered briefly near third base and sent the Milwaukee bench a message.

“(There were) just some comments that were made from a couple of players,” Milwaukee manager Ron Roenicke said. “They were telling me to keep one of our players quiet.”

Rafael Furcal got St. Louis off to a fast start with a leadoff drive to right in the first. After Gallardo fanned Jon Jay, Pujols hit a tying drive over the wall in center.

St. Louis took its first lead of the series in the third with some help from the Brewers. Second baseman Felipe Lopez booted Furcal’s ground ball leading off the inning, allowing him to reach first. Furcal was forced at second by Jay, but Pujols and Berkman followed with singles to plate Jay.

Albert Pujols and the St. Louis Cardinals sorely needed this one, so the slugger picked a perfect time for a breakout game against the surging Milwaukee Brewers.

Pujols kicked off a 4-for-4 night with a solo homer and the Cardinals beat the Brewers 5-2 on Thursday to avoid a three-game sweep.

St. Louis pulled within four games of NL Central-leading Milwaukee, which has won 13 of 15. The Cardinals are the only team to beat the Brewers during their hot streak.

Pujols almost doubled his hit total for the season against Milwaukee. The big first baseman entered with just five hits in 42 at-bats against the Cardinals’ main division rival, but he put that slide behind him with a drive in the first against Yovani Gallardo (13-8).

Pujols moved into a tie with teammate Lance Berkman for the National League lead with 28 homers and added three singles to up his average to .284.

“The last couple of days, no hits,” Pujols said. “Today, four hits. What did I change? Nothing.

“I’m just trying to be consistent like I have. I think anyone would love to have those numbers I have after 100-plus games.”

Chris Carpenter (8-8) gave up 10 hits in eight innings, but shut down the Brewers after they scored twice in the first. Fernando Salas finished for his 22nd save in 25 opportunities.

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa stopped short of calling it a must-win game, but was pleased with the effort.

“Do or die is the last couple of weeks when the numbers are staring you in the face,” La Russa said. “There was a lot of urgency today. We beat a very good pitcher.”

Mark Kotsay, subbing for All-Star slugger Ryan Braun, reached three times and had an RBI double for Milwaukee. Prince Fielder had a run-scoring single to give him 88 RBIs.

“I think we had a great road trip,” Fielder said. “We had a great series here. I think we played good baseball tonight as well.”

After last week’s series in Milwaukee, which featured ejections and warnings for hit batters, this three-game set was fairly tame. The only thing close to an outburst came in the top of the eighth inning when all four umpires gathered briefly near third base and sent the Milwaukee bench a message.

“(There were) just some comments that were made from a couple of players,” Milwaukee manager Ron Roenicke said. “They were telling me to keep one of our players quiet.”

Rafael Furcal got St. Louis off to a fast start with a leadoff drive to right in the first. After Gallardo fanned Jon Jay, Pujols hit a tying drive over the wall in center.

St. Louis took its first lead of the series in the third with some help from the Brewers. Second baseman Felipe Lopez booted Furcal’s ground ball leading off the inning, allowing him to reach first. Furcal was forced at second by Jay, but Pujols and Berkman followed with singles to plate Jay.

That same combination worked again in the fifth when Jay singled to right with two out, stole second and scored on Pujols’ single to center. Pujols moved to third on Berkman’s single to right and came home on a wild pitch to make it 5-2.

“Obviously, it’s a nice win,” Carpenter said. “We needed this one. I went out and gave up the two early and we got the two right back and started over again. That was key.”

Gallardo gave up five runs, four earned, and seven hits in five innings.

“I just left the ball up,” he said. “That first inning, a curveball up in the zone (to Pujols). He’s a good hitter. He’s going to take advantage of those mistakes.”

ST. LOUIS (AP)—Albert Pujols(notes) and the St. Louis Cardinals sorely needed
this one, so the slugger picked a perfect time for a breakout game against the
surging Milwaukee Brewers.

Pujols kicked off a 4-for-4 night with a solo homer and the Cardinals beat
the Brewers 5-2 on Thursday to avoid a three-game sweep.

St. Louis pulled within four games of NL Central-leading Milwaukee, which
has won 13 of 15. The Cardinals are the only team to beat the Brewers during
their hot streak.

Pujols almost doubled his hit total for the season against Milwaukee. The
big first baseman entered with just five hits in 42 at-bats against the
Cardinals’ main division rival, but he put that slide behind him with a drive in
the first against Yovani Gallardo(notes) (13-8).

Pujols moved into a tie with teammate Lance Berkman(notes) for the National League
lead with 28 homers and added three singles to up his average to .284.

“The last couple of days, no hits,” Pujols said. “Today, four hits. What
did I change? Nothing.

“I’m just trying to be consistent like I have. I think anyone would love to
have those numbers I have after 100-plus games.”

Chris Carpenter (8-8) gave up 10 hits in eight innings, but shut down the
Brewers after they scored twice in the first. Fernando Salas(notes) finished for his
22nd save in 25 opportunities.

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa stopped short of calling it a must-win game,
but was pleased with the effort.

“Do or die is the last couple of weeks when the numbers are staring you in
the face,” La Russa said. “There was a lot of urgency today. We beat a very
good pitcher.”

Mark Kotsay(notes), subbing for All-Star slugger Ryan Braun(notes), reached three times
and had an RBI double for Milwaukee. Prince Fielder(notes) had a run-scoring single to
give him 88 RBIs.

“I think we had a great road trip,” Fielder said. “We had a great series
here. I think we played good baseball tonight as well.”

After last week’s series in Milwaukee, which featured ejections and warnings
for hit batters, this three-game set was fairly tame. The only thing close to an
outburst came in the top of the eighth inning when all four umpires gathered
briefly near third base and sent the Milwaukee bench a message.

“(There were) just some comments that were made from a couple of players,”
Milwaukee manager Ron Roenicke said. “They were telling me to keep one of our
players quiet.”

Rafael Furcal(notes) got St. Louis off to a fast start with a leadoff drive to
right in the first. After Gallardo fanned Jon Jay(notes), Pujols hit a tying drive over
the wall in center.

St. Louis took its first lead of the series in the third with some help from
the Brewers. Second baseman Felipe Lopez(notes) booted Furcal’s ground ball leading off
the inning, allowing him to reach first. Furcal was forced at second by Jay, but
Pujols and Berkman followed with singles to plate Jay.

That same combination worked again in the fifth when Jay singled to right
with two out, stole second and scored on Pujols’ single to center. Pujols moved
to third on Berkman’s single to right and came home on a wild pitch to make it
5-2.

“Obviously, it’s a nice win,” Carpenter said. “We needed this one. I went
out and gave up the two early and we got the two right back and started over
again. That was key.”

Gallardo gave up five runs, four earned, and seven hits in five innings.

“I just left the ball up,” he said. “That first inning, a curveball up in
the zone (to Pujols). He’s a good hitter. He’s going to take advantage of those
mistakes.”

NOTES: Furcal’s leadoff homer was the 27th of his career. … Milwaukee will
start a seven-game homestand Friday when it begins a three-game series with the
Pirates. The Brewers are a major league-best 41-15 at home. … Cardinals OF
Matt Holliday(notes) was out of the lineup for a second straight game with back
tightness. … Milwaukee’s Frankie De La Cruz(notes), who was called up earlier in the
day to replace Chris Narveson(notes) on the roster, pitched a scoreless seventh inning.
… Cardinals C Yadier Molina(notes) extended his hitting streak to 14 games with an
eighth-inning single.