The Cardinals finish before the All-star break on a high note, beating Pittsburgh 11-6, taking two out of three from the Pirates heading into the break. 

Ryan Ludwick is swinging a big stick heading to New York’s All-star game.  He hit his 21st home run of the season and Troy Glaus and Aaron Miles also homered, as Miles drove in five runs. 

The Cardinals took the lead for good in the 7 th with their second four run inning of the game after the Pirates took a 6-5 lead in the 6 th chasing starter Joel Pineiro. 

Glaus had a good series, as well as Miles who is heating up as both tallied 8 total bases, two doubles and a homer by Glaus and Miles, who added a triple and single to his home run, his second of the year.

The Cardinals finished the first half 10 games over .500, 4.5 games behind Chicago and they have a half game lead over Milwaukee for the wildcard.