After a heated conversation between Pujols and Houston reliever Brandon Backe during batting practice, Pujols took out his frustration on the baseball, homering twice in the Cardinals 6-4 win over Houston.
Albert Pujols had a heated conversation with Astros reliever Brandon Backe during batting practice before the game to talk about Pujols’ discontent with Backe still bringing a play that happened on Tuesday night.
Players from both teams gathered nearby, but nothing more came out it, but the play in question was when Pujols collided with Astros catcher J.R. Towles at the plate. Pujols thought the plate was blocked and thought he’d be out so he plowed into Towles. The catcher said he thought he gave enough room for Pujols to slide. Pujols called Towles after the game to apologize for the play.
The first four hitters collected nine of the Cardinals 12 hits, including a 3 for 4 night from lead off hitter Skip Schumaker. Pujols finished with 3 RBI, Rick Ankiel had two hits and two RBI as well.
Braden Looper gave up three runs in 5 2/3 innings, but he got the job done as the bullpen put together another effective performance. The Cardinals now head west to play the Giants in a four game series this weekend.
