The Cardinals hit three consecutive home runs in the second inning, as they beat the Padres 11-5. Placido Polanco, Jim Edmonds, and Albert Pujols were the culprits. Edmonds, Pujols, and Tino Martinez drove in three apiece. Fernando Vina scored three runs. Bud Smith was chased in the fifth inning and was charged with three runs. Mike Crudale got him out of the jam, and was rewarded with the win. Smith still has a record of 0-5. The win was St. Louis’ second straight. They took over the lead in the N.L. Central thanks to the Reds 6-5 loss to the Astros.
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