Albert Pujols delivers an RBI single in a five-run sixth inning, UPI/Bill Greenblatt

Albert Pujols delivers an RBI single in a five-run sixth inning, UPI/Bill Greenblatt

The Cardinals took their turns on Monday against Bronson Arroyo and the Cincinnati bullpen in a 12-4 beating of the Reds at Busch Stadium. Arroyo has been tough on the Cardinals this season. The right-hander had shut down the Cards this season, holding them to a combined three runs over 17 innings, but St. Louis hit highs in runs and hits, equaling their largest margin of victory on the season.

After fighting off a sluggish start and a 61-minute rain delay the offense kicked into gear by scoring three runs in the 4th, another three in the 5th, and then five in the 6th. Starter Jaime Garcia pitched six effective innings, striking out six against three walks. Garcia shook off the rain delay without any trouble. The game was halted before the start of the fourth inning.

When play resumed, the Cardinals trailed, 2-1, and it was 3-1 when they first batted after the storm. But they came out swinging, hanging three runs on Arroyo in the fourth.