When Albert Pujols is done playing baseball, he could most definitely sell insurance for All-State because you are always in good hands with Pujols.
With the Cardinals struggling offensively and trailing the lowly Royals 5-0 Friday, Pujols came to bat in the fourth inning and coolly belted a two-run homer to ignite a rally that lasted for two innings. St. Louis put up four runs in the fourth inning and five more in the fifth to come back and beat the Royals 9-6. It was Pujols’ 20th home run, which leads all of the Major Leagues.
Scott Rolen and So Taguchi each had two RBIs apiece for the Cards.
Chris Carpenter didn’t have his best outing of the year but finally received some run support. In his two losses this year, the Cardinals have failed to score more than two runs. One of the losses was a 1-0 game. None the less, Carpenter pitched six innings giving up six runs on nine hits and struck out eight batters to get his fourth win of the year.
Adam Wainwright pitched 2 2/3 innings to earn the save.
Royals starter Mark Redman couldn’t hold on to the five run advantage. He still hasn’t won a game since July 24. Redman gave up six runs on seven hits before his exit after pitching four innings.
These two teams are going in exact opposite directions. The Royals have the worst record in the Majors at 10-29. The Cardinals have a National League best 27-15 record.