Jim Edmonds and So Taguchi drove in three runs apiece to lead the Cardinals over the Nationals 9-2 at Busch Stadium. Edmonds broke a 2-2 tie in the fifth inning with a two-run single to put the Cardinals ahead for good. He drove in another run in the eighth inning with a one-run single.

Taguchi added insurance in the sixth inning with a two-run single to make it 6-2. He preceded Edmonds in the eighth with a sac fly to drive in a run.

Albert Pujols was 1-for-1 at the plate and was walked four times.

Starting pitcher Jeff Suppan (2-2) lasted six innings and was charged with two runs, five hits, two walks with three strikeouts. Adam Wainwright pitched two innings of relief, allowing no hits and one walk. Brad Thompson allowed a hit in the ninth, but got out of the frame unscathed.

Reds starter Zach Day (1-3) lasted five innings and was charged with four runs off six hits and four walks.

With the win, the Cardinals notched another series victory. They’ve taken the last six series they’ve played and have won seven of eight series this season. The only one they lost was a sweep at the hands of the Cubs in the first weekend of the season.

St. Louis is 17-8 and tied with the Reds for the lead in the N.L. Central. The two teams play a two-game series in Cincinnati beginning Monday night.