ST. LOUIS -- Chris Duncan's two-run triple was the key blow in a three-run fourth inning that gave the Cardinals a 4-2 win over the Pirates at Busch Stadium on Wednesday night.
However, even with the three-run lead, rookie starter Mitchell Boggs couldn't last long enough to pick up the win. Boggs dealt with iffy command all evening, walking five batters in 4 1/3 innings. When Nate McLouth doubled to cut the St. Louis lead to two runs in the fifth, Boggs was lifted.
Albert Pujols had four hits, scored twice and cranked his 11th home run for St. Louis, which ended a three-game losing streak. Pujols' single started the fourth-inning rally. Ryan Ludwick followed with a walk, and Duncan lined a triple into right field to break a 1-1 tie. Khalil Greene's sacrifice fly made it 4-1 for the home team.
The Cardinals' bullpen took it from there, with five relievers combining to get the last 14 outs.
__________
Source: MLB.com
Mitchell Boggs
- Photo2 by Tim Evearitt