After a one out walk to Albert Pujols, Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday launched a two run homer to center field off Brewers’ closer Trevor Hoffman to put the Cardinals on top and give St. Louis a 4-3 win lowering the Cardinals magic number 13.

Pujols hit his 45th home run of the year off relief pitcher David Weathers in the seventh.  That made the game 3-2.  Pujols is now 10 of 19 off Weathers with three home runs and nine RBIs.

It just didn’t look like it would be the Cardinals night.  In the sixth inning, they loaded the bases down 3-0, but only managed a run after Yadier Molina grounded into a double play and Khalil Green flew out with runners on first and third and two outs.

The Brewers got to John Smoltz early on Prince Fielder’s two run homer in the first and then after three straight singles and a run in the third, Smotlz minimized the damage by getting two strikeouts and a flyout to work out of the jam.  Smoltz went five innings and struck out seven.

If they handed out assists for the MVP award, you’d have to give it to Holliday.  He loves the Cardinals and loves National League pitching.  He hit his 12th home run in 42 games compared to 11 in 98 with Oakland.  He’s also hitting .381 since joining St. Louis.

The Cardinals magic number is down to 13.  Comments from Tony LaRussa, Smoltz and Holliday.

Listen to Cardinals postgame