Pujols went 2-3 with two walks, three runs and two RBI. His big hit was a two-run shot in the bottom of the third inning off of Pirates starter Ian Snell. The Cardinals also got homers from Chris Duncan and Yadier Molina.

On the mound, the Cardinals got a good performance from starter Kyle Lohse. Over seven innings, Lohse gave up only five hits and two earned runs striking out four batters. Snell, on the other hand, wasn’t nearly as impressive. In four innings, he allowed six earned runs, nine hits and three walks.

Pittsburgh actually got off to a good start when a Ryan Doumit RBI gave the team a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. But Pujols and company made that a short-lived lead.

On the season, Pujols is 5-7 with three walks.

Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals

Post from: Knuckle Curve

After the contest, which the Cardinals topped the Cincinnati Reds 7-2, Pujols was diagnosed with a strain calf. Further tests will be performed to determine how long Pujols will be out. Initial reports indicate that St. Louis fears that Pujols will miss a significant amount of games.

Pujols is currently hitting .347 and has 16 homers and 42 RBIs. It’d be a shame if the 28-year-old slugger were to miss a lot of action because he was on pace to have one of the best seasons of his career.

When Pujols is out, the Cardinals will rely on Ryan Ludwick to keep swinging the bat well. The 29-year-old Ludwick has 15 homers, 50 RBIs and is hitting .318.

The Cardinals weren’t expected to have a good season but at 39-27, St. Louis definitely has a chance to make the postseason. That is, obviously, if Pujols can return in a reasonable amount of time.

Photo: Newscom

Post from: Knuckle Curve