Three home runs in the first three innings, including a grand slam for St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Ryan Ludwick, was all the Redbirds needed as they take the first of three against the Kansas City Royals, 10 to 5.
Albert Pujols drove in the first two Cardinal runs in the first. When he came up again in the second, rather than pitch to him, the Royals walked him to go after Ryan Ludwick. With the bases loaded, Ludwick connected for the first grand slam of his career off Royals starter Kyle Davies allowing Pujols to cross the plate for the 1000 th time in his career.
The Cardinals would blast two home runs in the third when Rick Ankiel, and Khalil Greene, who was making his first start since coming off the disabled list Thursday, both hit solo shots. David DeJesus’ solo homerun in the first, would be the first of three KC home runs in the game.
Miguel Olivo would hit a two run shot in the seventh and Billy Butler would hit a solo homerun in the eighth.
Cards starter Brad Thompson, pitching again for the injured Kyle Lohse, picked up his second win of the season giving up four runs over seven innings. Royals starter Kyle Davies lasted only two and two thirds innings after he gave up eight runs on nine hits.
Cards starter Chris Carpenter will be looking for his fifth win of the season against the Royals Brian Bannister, who will be going after win number six.
