The Cardinals have dominated the Padres over the last three seasons, but San Diego’s revenge began this week, as they took the first two games of the series. The Redbirds avoided a sweep yesterday as Scott Rolen and Edgar Renteria drove in two apiece in an 8-4 win. Albert Pujols drove in his 92nd run and upped his batting average to .373 going 2-4. Kerry Robinson had three hits. St. Louis pounded out 17 hits but left 11 runners on base. Brett Tomko was the winning pitcher, lasting five innings and improving to 6-6. Tony La Russa used four more pitchers over the next four innings to secure the win. The victory allowed the Cardinals to keep pace with the Astros in the National League Central. Houston owns a four-game advantage over St. Louis.
;
