Ludwick, big sixth inning, powers St. Louis to another win

After a full day of Albert Pujols talk, the focus shifted back to the action on the diamond. St. Louis used a four-run sixth inning to take control and win the game 5-4. Ryan Ludwick started the explosion with an RBI double. He also accounted for the Cards only other run with a homer in the fourth. Yadier Molina and David Freese drove in the other three runs to put St. Louis up 5-2. Blake Hawksworth made things interesting in the seventh with a throwing error that allowed a run to score and set up another. He left after 1/3 of an inning and was credited with both runs. The rest of the bullpen came through to hold on for the win.

Chris Carpenter went six innings and gave up two runs on three hits for the win. He improves to 3-0 on the season. Jason Motte worked a solid 1 2/3 innings to get the save. From Atlanta’s perspective, it is the team’s seventh straight loss and the early season hope is running into some trouble. Chipper Jones was 1 for 3 with an infield single and two walks for the Braves.

Albert Pujols swiped a bag, showing he can do just about everything. Ok, I know. We’ve had enough about Pujols today.

Ryan Ludwick was the star and continues a rock solid start to his season. The Redbirds improve to 13-7 on the year and the Cubbies finally lost a game, so all is right with the NL Central again — at least for one night.