Joel Pinero threw 57 strikes in 81 pitches Saturday night for six strike outs and no walks against the Cincinnati Reds for a 9-3 victory and the Cardinal’s second win of the three game series.

"I’m just trusting my stuff, letting the defense work and going out there and trying to keep a low pitch count."  Pinero said.

On the offensive side of the ball the Cardinals put on a firework show for opposing fans at Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park, earning 13 hits, four of which were for homeruns.

With St. Louis down 0-1 early in the second inning, Yadier Molina stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded and hit a line drive to left field, bringing in Rick Ankiel for a score. Skip Schumaker stepped up later in the inning to jack a three run homer deep into center field to cap off the second with a total of five runs.

Albert Pujols added two solo shots in the third and fourth innings to extend the lead to 9-1 after Ludwick ripped off a monster two run homerun to left field in the fourth.

"Our offense looks good right now. Our main goal as a team offensively is to try to get as many (points) up there as possible, make it easier on the starter." Ludwick says.

St. Louis returns to play the Reds for one more game on Sunday