Cards Make Most Of 2 Hits

The Cardinals managed just two hits against the Marlins on Tuesday, but it was all they needed in a 2-1 extra-innings win. In the top of the sixth, Albert Pujols broke up Josh Beckett’s attempt at a no-hitter with his 32nd home run of the season to tie the game 1-1. It remained tied through nine innings, but Jim Edmonds teed off on the first pitch he saw in the top of the 10th to make it 2-1. It was his 31st homer of the season. In the bottom of the 10th Jason Isringhausen put the Marlins down in order to earn his 30th save of the season. Julian Tavarez improved to 5-3 by pitching 2 2/3 innings of perfect relief. Starter Chris Carpenter was forced to leave the game in the third inning with stiffness in his lower back, but is expected to be OK. The Cardinals have won six in a row and 17-of-21 to extend their lead in the National League Central to 12 ½ games over the Cubs… Doctors have found what’s ailing Albert Pujols’ left foot. He has a condition called plantar fasciitis, which causes extreme pain along the length of the foot as a result of tendon irritation. Pujols has battled it for six weeks and has trouble running. Surgery may be an option during the off-season, but in the meantime, he’ll play through the pain. He’s hitting .318 with 32 home runs and 81 RBI’s.