Ryan Ludwick is congrulated after his 8th inning home run. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

Ryan Ludwick is congrulated after his 8th inning home run. UPI/Bill Greenblatt

Ryan Ludwick’s sixth homer of the year in the 8th inning broke a 2-2 tie and gave Chris Carpenter his fifth win of the year in a 3-2 decision in favor of the Cardinals over the Washington Nationals.

Carpenter gave up two runs, just one earned. In the fifth, Carpenter gave up a solo home run to Wil Nieves to cut the Cardinals lead to 2-1. St. Louis took an early lead in the second on a two run shot from Felipe Lopez. Carp is now 5-1 with an ERA at 2.80.

The Cardinals start a series with Florida after winning both games against the Nats. Hanley Ramirez, the NL batting title champ was benched for not hustling a play out earlier this week. It will be interesting to see if he is in the lineup tonight.