Albert Pujols in two runs and the Cardinals beat Pirates 3-2

ST. LOUIS, U.S. - Albert Pujols has produced the tying and winning run, Kyle McClellan was reinstated after an ordinary start to the game and did well in his first career start and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2 on Tuesday.

 

Pujols did not seem comfortable to bat in the first round of the season, knocking in three double plays in a game and not knocking two hits in 16 at-bats with a solo homer.

The three most valuable player in the National has not really been brilliant against the Pirates, but was effective in hitting a sacrifice fly in the fifth to tie the game 2-2, then producing the winning run in the seventh with a single against Scott Olsen (0-1).

McClellan, who is part of the rotation starters since the ace Adam Wainwright will miss the rest of the year, gave up two runs and six hits in six innings. A former specialist in the eighth inning also removed seven strikeouts and allowed one base on balls.

Miguel Batista (1-0) took over and allowed one hit and one base on balls in an innings in his first outing of the season.

Ryan Franklin worked the ninth and recorded his first save of the season.

The Pirates' hitters have been rather quiet after Lyle Overbay had slammed a two-run homer in the first.