ST. LOUIS (AP) — Albert Pujols kicked off a 4-for-4 night with a solo homer and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Milwaukee Brewers 5-2 on Thursday to avoid a three-game sweep.
St. Louis pulled within four games of NL Central-leading Milwaukee, which has won 13 of 15. The Cardinals are the only team to beat the Brewers during their hot streak.
Pujols entered with just five hits in 42 at-bats against the Brewers. He ended the slide with a drive in the first against Yovani Gallardo (13-8), tying him with teammate Lance Berkman for the National League lead with 28 homers. Pujols added two singles off Gallardo, who lasted just five innings.
