Albert Pujols kept his hitting streak alive in dramatic fashion Sunday night, as the Cardinals topped the Braves 3-2 at Busch Stadium. With Atlanta holding a 2-1 lead, Eduardo Perez hit a solo homer in the eighth inning to tie the game. Perez’s two-out blast knocked Horacio Ramirez out of the game and marked John Smoltz first appearance in the series. Smoltz was quickly made the loser as Albert Pujols connected for the go-ahead run on Smoltz’s second pitch. In the ninth inning, Jason Isringhausen put the Braves down in order to earn his 11th save of the season. Pujols may have been responsible for the offensive play of the day, but Rafael Furcal had the most impressive performance. In the fifth inning, the Braves shortstop converted only the 12th unassisted triple play in the history of the Major Leagues. Woody Williams pitched seven innings and allowed two runs, but failed again to get his 15th win of the season. His last win was on July 26th against the Pirates. Cal Eldred was the winner, pitching the eighth inning and allowing a walk. The Cardinals remain two games behind the Astros in the American League Central.
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