Pujols’ 3-run homer, 3 hits carry Lohse, Cardinals past Pirates 10-2

Pujols’ 3-run homer carries Cards past Pirates

PITTSBURGH — Albert Pujols hit a three-run home run one pitch after injured Pirates starter Ross Ohlendorf was pulled during a four-run St. Louis first inning, and the Cardinals moved to within a game of the NL wild card lead by beating Pittsburgh 10-2 on Monday night.

Kyle Lohse (2-5), making his second start since spending nearly three months on the disabled list with a right forearm injury, pitched five scoreless innings before giving up Garrett Jones’ two-run homer in the sixth. Lohse was lifted one out later, but still won for the first time since May 17 against Washington.

Pujols had another big night, homering in his 10th game of the Cardinals’ last 19 while adding a single and a double in five at-bats. Pujols has eight homers in 22 games against Pittsburgh since last season.