The Cardinals split a double header with the Reds last night, losing the early game 5-4 and winning the nightcap 5-0. In game one, St. Louis allowed five Cincinnati runs in the second inning, giving the Reds a 5-1 lead. Scott Rolen’s throwing error allowed two to score. In the top of the third, Albert Pujols and Rolen hit back-to-back home runs. Mike DiFelice doubled to score Miguel Cairo to make it 5-4. That’s where the scoring ended. Jason Simontacchi got the loss, dropping to 9-5. In game two, the Redbirds scored five times in the first, thanks again to Pujols, who hit a two-run single, and Rolen who launched a three-run homer. Pujols has reached the 30 home run/100 RBI mark for the second year in a row. He’s the second Cardinal to achieve the feat in his first two seasons. Chuck Finley was almost un-hittable. He tossed a complete-game, two-hit shut out. Finley had a no-hitter going until Juan Castro got a single in the sixth inning. Castro accounted for the Reds only other hit. St. Louis now leads the Astros by a three and a half games. Houston lost to San Diego 11-6.
